Post-feast of the Dormition. Holy Prophet Samuel (11th c. BC).
2 Corinthians 12:20-13:2. Mark 4:24-34.
Read 2 Corinthians 12:20-13:2
St. Paul confronts the issues within the Church in Corinth, warning of the dangers of quarrels, jealousy, and other destructive behaviors. As we reflect on this passage, we might find echoes of these challenges within our own parishes. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the problems we encounter in our communities, whether they be divisions, misunderstandings, or a lack of charity. Yet, St. Paul’s words offer us a profound insight: the greater miracle is not in the physical signs or healings, but in the transformation of hearts, leading to unity and harmony within the body of Christ.
When we think about miracles, we often imagine the extraordinary—healing of the sick, signs from heaven—but the true miracle, as St. Paul suggests, is found in a community that comes together in love and unity. This is a miracle that requires the active participation of every member, a miracle that begins with each of us.
It’s tempting to look outward, blaming others for the lack of peace and unity, but Paul’s challenge is for each of us to look inward first. Are we contributing to the unity of our parish, or are we, knowingly or unknowingly, sowing seeds of discord?
Prayer and fasting become essential strategies when we find our communities steeped in the sins Paul outlines. Through prayer, we seek the grace to recognize our own faults and the strength to change. Fasting, on the other hand, teaches us discipline and reminds us of our dependence on God. Both practices help to purify our intentions and align our hearts with the will of God.
When a parish faces challenges, it’s easy to feel as if the problems are insurmountable. But St. Paul reminds us that the power of Christ is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). The true miracle is when, through prayer, fasting, and sincere effort, a community that was once divided comes together in love, forgiveness, and mutual support. This is the miracle that St. Paul longs to see in Corinth, and it’s the miracle that we should all strive for in our own parishes.
Let us then commit ourselves to this work of unity, beginning with our own hearts. Let us pray fervently and fast sincerely, trusting that God, who desires the unity of His people, will work in us and through us to bring about the miracle of a loving, harmonious community.