Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Holy Priest-Martyr Babylas, Bishop of Antioch (250); Holy Prophet Moses Who Saw God
1 Corinthians 16:13-24; Matthew 21:33-42
Read 1 Corinthians 16:13-24
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
In a very real sense, we are never just acting in harmony with God today, we are always – with today’s acts – preparing to act even more in harmony with Him tomorrow. Or not.
Today’s reading concludes St. Paul’s first canonical letter to the Church at Corinth. They were not acting in harmony with God. It references a previous non-canonical letter (see: 1 Corinthians 5:9) he had written to them, after which Paul also made (what he later referred to as) a “painful visit” (2 Corinthians 2:1). The teaching the apostle was giving was to Christians who, even though adult, were still infantilized in their judgement and behavior.
In translation, Paul’s concluding exhortation to the Corinthians can seem like four synonymous statements emphasizing a single urge toward firm faith. They are actually four different statements with movement one to another, pointing the way forward in Christian growth for them and for us: “Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong.”
“Be watchful” is the internal work of collecting one’s faculties. It means preparation, to do the necessary things to be ready to act.
“Stand firm in your faith” is to make a stand. It means decision, to take that outward stand.
“Be courageous” is literally to “act like men.” It means repentance in this context, not only to be courageous but to grow up.
“Be strong” is just that and more. It is what is written of our infant Lord in Luke 2:40, “And the child grew and became strong.” Likewise, here it is the result of a process. It means we become stronger in the doing when we act.
So, instead of just admonishing ourselves, let us reflect on what part of the process will best move us forward today: preparation, decision, repentance, or action.