Friday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
(II Corinthians 11:18.21-30; Matthew 6:19-23)
St. Paul sees himself as “insane” because he is boasting
which he knows is not Christ’s way. His
motive begins to be clarified in due course.
He goes on to say that he is boasting of his “weakness,” not his strength. In other words, he is ironically bragging of his
failures, not his successes. He tells of
his being humiliated and failing to achieve his purpose, not having preached salvation
to hundreds, perhaps thousands of people.
Paul boasts of his weakness to demonstrate to his readers
the power of the cross. They should even
look at themselves, people to whom Paul introduced Jesus Christ, as products of
Christ working through him. At the same
time, Paul is demonstrating how Corinthians should act toward one another. They should not think of themselves as better
by nature than others. Rather, they
should recognize that any good they have comes through the grace of Christ.
We like to compare ourselves with others so that we might
think of ourselves at least as good as most. Paul would say that we are foolish
for doing so. Rather, he would admonish,
we should give thanks to God for making us who we are. He would add that we should serve others so
that they too may become more like Christ.
