Daily Reflections - June 18,2013

RICH AND ABOUNDING IN CHARITY

 

To say that St. Paul was hemmed in from all sides is an understatement. To say that he loved the people he worked for is to state it weakly. Paul loved the Corinthians deeply.

       It is hard to love people who make you suffer. It is difficult to be nice to individuals who tear your life apart, or at least impute evil intentions to everything you do. It must have been hard to love the Corinthians. Despite St. Paul’s efforts, the Corinthians never really left behind their fractious and factionalist ways. We reflected yesterday on how he had to “wield righteousness with right hand and left,” as he faced terrific odds while doing ministry for the Gospel.

       Last year, I was personally touched by a man who, after being physically maltreated by another bigger and stronger man owing to a minor traffic altercation, found it in his heart to forgive the latter and chose not to file charges. The whole drama of disproportionate and unbridled anger was caught on CCTV and seen by scores of people who eventually sympathized with the smaller, weaker, but obviously emotionally stronger man who never lost his dignity one bit.

       St. Paul had every reason in the world to write to the Corinthians “in tears.” On account of their behavior, Paul was bereft of any form of human consolation from them. The Corinthians had precious little in their emotional bank account for Paul. But what the Apostle tells the Gentiles convicts me, and the actions of that forgiving man, who was manhandled by some spoiled brat, impresses me deeply.

       Paul speaks glowingly of people in dire need (in Macedonia) who “produced abundant generosity” despite being “in the midst of severe trial and deep poverty.” He counseled the Corinthians to be as “rich and abounding in charity.” For that was what Paul was: as magnanimous as he was generous, like Christ who, “for [our] sake made himself poor, so that [we] may become rich.” Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Do you tend to get even with people who hurt you? What can be a more Christian response?

 

Teach me to be more forgiving, Lord, as You are forgiving and merciful to me.