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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