This week we shall be meditating on
the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians. Corinth was a leading Greek City where Paul
preached during his second missionary journey. Remember the Greeks had a long
philosophic history even before Jesus Christ was born. As we scroll down the
pages of this letter, we shall see how Paul addresses these ‘wise men’ to
convince them about faith in Jesus Christ.
The human mind operates within a certain framework; it draws from its frame of reference to make judgments and accept assertions. It is not easy to draw the mind to accept new frame of reference or ways of thinking. Since the mind seem to have attraction to fancies, learned people use ‘plausible words of wisdom’ to excite their audience and convince them to accept their teachings. But St Paul quickly pulled his preaching from the style of the ‘wise men’ already known to the Corinthians. He declared himself before them as ‘unwise’, shy and ill equipped with lofty words of wisdom. He did this for two reasons. First, that the Gospel message might not be reduced to human thinking, such that it could be accepted simply because it excited their rational mind. Such euphoria does not last. Secondly, the preacher with high sounding words draws attention to himself as the learned one, the ‘powerful man of God’, etc. Here, the preacher becomes an obstacle when he becomes the main reason people gather.
St Paul says, “I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” And his speech and message were only in demonstration of the Spirit and power, “That your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” It was because of the workings of the human mind that the people of Nazareth rejected Jesus, who taught them, not like the Son of a Carpenter, but by the Spirit of the Lord. And Jesus could not perform any miracles among them.
The Word of God transcends any frame of mind, ideology or cultural mindset. We should not approach the divine mysteries with a mind that is closed to itself or attached to personalities. Let the Holy Spirit inspire us; let the power of God draw us and let the wisdom of God direct us. Yes, let us move forward this day in faith with the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.
Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic
Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Monday August 31st, 2020.
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