Friday, August 30, 2024

Friday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time

(I Corinthians 1:17-25; Matthew 15:1-13)

Students of the American theologian Cardinal Avery Dulles complained that he was a boring teacher. “Dull, duller, and dullest” was how they poked fun at him.  But as to his writing, all must admit that few theologians were as concise and as exact as he.  Saint Paul may be considered a model for Cardinal Dulles.

In today’s first reading Paul says that he does not have the “wisdom of human eloquence.”  He is not just referring to a popular message like achieving success through virtue, but to his own deficiency.  In other places he admits to his inability to hold the attention of the public as much as other preachers.  But Paul knows that worldly wisdom and eloquence do not produce the supreme good.  Preachers of the gospel must first recognize that humility, not power, and love, not luster, join one to Christ.

We are always tempted to pursue the goals of power, prestige, and pleasure.  Doing so, however, betrays our commitment to our Savior.  Imitating his humility and care not only will gain for us eternal life.  It will also exemplify the kind of life that leads to justice and peace in the world.

 

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