Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Tone 4; Our Holy Fathers and Patriarchs of Constantinople Alexander (336), John (577), and Paul the Younger (784)
1 Corinthians 16:13-24; Matthew 21:33-42
Read 1 Corinthians 16:13-24
Corinth was a city whose main protectress was Aphrodite, the goddess of love. In fact, within the city was a temple dedicated this goddess where temple prostitutes practised their trade. The term “Corinthian” in the lexicon of the day meant someone who was loose with his money or morals. The Christians in Corinth have a difficult mission ahead of them, and so as St. Paul closes his letter to them he implores them to be vigilant. In other words, they must be on their guard for dangers from the surrounding culture, but also from turmoil within. Are these words not essential for us during this time of turmoil as well, with worries about our health and the health of our loved ones?
How should we respond during these times? St. Paul continues: Stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong, act like men fighting against an opposing force confident that God is with you. Yet despite being within a city dedicated to the “goddess of love,” Christians are to show forth what real love means to the world. St. Paul insists that as brave, strong and manly (andrizo) as they are to act, all that they do is to be done with love. The gospel is spread courageously but through courageous love, not force or violence. Although we occasionally hear about “toxic masculinity” in our society, Our Lord gives us an image of what authentic masculinity looks like. Let us continue to emulate His self-sacrificial love in service of His Gospel to the world!