Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
(II Cor 1:18-22; Matthew 5:13-16)
There is a joke about St. Peter reporting to Jesus’ other disciples
on the first Easter Day. It says that
Peter told them that he has some good news and some bad news. The good news was that Jesus was risen from
the dead. The bad news was that he
wanted to talk with them about what happened that Thursday night in the garden
(when they all abandoned him). Today’s first reading belies this story.
St. Paul forcibly tells the Corinthians that there is no bad
news, no “no” about Jesus. He means that
with Jesus the news is always good, always “yes.” In fact, Jesus returned to his disciples after
the resurrection with a blessing, and no chastising. Paul says that it is the
same with him. He loves the Corinthian
community even though some there have done despicable things.
Paul sets a high bar for us to pass over. We have a hard time listening to others talk
about their problems. We also have a penchant for boasting about our
accomplishments. May our love for others
not be betrayed with either indifference or self-promotion. But may we always look after their good
despite any offense done to us or trouble our efforts will cost us.
