Our Holy Fathers and Patriarchs of Constantinople Alexander (336), John (577), and Paul the Younger (784)
2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5; Mark 3:13-19
Read 2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Today’s epistle lesson is given to us to contemplate the virtue of love, which is the greatest of all. St. Paul speaking to the Corinthians reminds them that words and beliefs need to be concretely expressed in action. The community is preparing to receive an apostolic visitation sent by St. Paul and he reminds them to receive them as they would receive him—hospitality is an expression of love. Ambrosiaster points out:
“Paul is urging the Corinthians to demonstrate their love by the way they treat those he is sending to them. If they received them with honour, they would be demonstrating to all the other churches how far they had progressed and that the good things which were said about them were true. He is therefore encouraging their resolve, for someone who is well thought of usually shows improvement.” (Commentary on Paul’s Epistles).
Like the Corinthians St. Paul speaks to us also, “So give proof, before the churches, of your love and of our boasting about you to these men.” We are challenged today to look for an opportunity to practice hospitality—love in action—toward whomever God may bring our way.