Tuesday, June 8, 2021

 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.