2nd Corinthians 6:1-10

2 Corinthians 6: 1-10

“We cause no one to stumble in anything, on the contrary, in everything we commend ourselves to God, through much afflictions, hardships, constraints, beatings, imprisonments riots and labors by knowledge, patience, kindness, in true love, in truthful speech, in the power of God.”

Paul was always being resisted in Corinth.  It was an enormous task to keep the Church in Corinth faithful to the gospel.  False prophets and even fake Christians beset them. Paulcould have simplified his remarks by saying, “No matter what threatens you, do not falter. And, whatever you do, do it in love and keep Jesus foremost in your heart.”  

But this letter and the 1st Corinthians were, in the eyes of the Holy Spirit, meant for us as well as the people of Corinth.  No matter what happens, stay strong in faith and trust in God and never lash out at persecutors, but follow Jesus’ example and pray for them.  Never let the bad days bring out unkindness, rudeness or pessimism and overshadow your true self.  Always be aware that the Spirit is right there with you and you need no signs to remind you of that.  

St. Paul has often been misunderstood because most of us have never actually delved into his life, his personality, and his astonishing ability to spread the message of Jesus. We must remember that he did not know Jesus, but learned of Him through the behavior of His followers. How else would people learn of the staggering gifts that await anyone who finds Him, except through our behavior?

Read this letter to see how Paul influenced every facet of life with Jesus as the focus. It is invigorating and , oh by the way, evidence of what a hero is. He traveled all over for years. He never forgot each community, which his letters prove.  His absolute confidence in the rightness of his calling is an example for all of us who claim to be followers of Jesus. 

Something Extra

Last week I visited the Bible Museum in Washington D.C.  I don’t know what I expected, but the whole experience was thrilling. The building itself is a wonder. It is a renovated elderly edifice that has been transformed. Anywhere they could bring in the light they have, to remind us that the Bible is the light in the world.  The displays and videos were lovely and simple. There was no preaching, just sharing.  We came away feeling energized and in awe of the power of the Bible.  

May God Bless your summer and may you be safe and rested.

Carol Lemelin OPA

THE TRINITY MYSTERY

THE TRINITY MYSTERY

“In the Trinity, the three must be maintained as three and understood as different from one another. Yet the infinite trust and flow between them is so constant, so reliable, so true, and so faithful that they are also completely one.” 

(Julian of Norwich)

The Trinity is the one article of faith that must remain just that, a matter of faith. 

Part of the reason why we find it so hard to get our heads around it, is the use of the word personsin it’s official definition.  Three persons in one are not possible, but then, God is not a person.  The definition above is, for me, one of the best. On a par with that, is the visual interpretation of the Trinity found in The Shack, by Wm. Young.  

Thousands of thinkers, writers, philosophers and mystics have been inspired to search for a deeper to understanding of the Trinity.  The Spirit of God is constantly flowing though the world, and all these people have discovered it and proclaimed it. Their revelations help us to feel that Spirit encouraging, prompting and reminding us of the presence of God within us all.  When we are doing our best to follow Jesus’ commands, we need to acknowledge that the Spirit is our guide. 

I am grateful to these people for their insights. It is all the proof we need that God wants us to know and understand. We can’t just accept other people’s conclusions, until we spend the time required to make the perceptions our own. We all have to come to understanding of the nature of God at our pace and in our way. It may seem like a daunting, if not downright scary idea, but follow Jesus’ instruction, “Fear not.”  This same Spirit you are attempting to understand will guide you. 

Dame Julian’s imagery is beautiful, simple and profound. She spent a life as a recluse and yet is considered both a theologian and a mystic. She was born in 1342.  Her book, Revelations of Divine Love, has survived as the oldest English language book written by a woman.  That, along with her grasp of the Trinity, is awe-inspiring.  

Blessings,

Carol Lemelin OPA 

WHO DO WE THINK WE ARE?

WHO DO WE THINK WE ARE?

“The grace of God means something like: Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are because the party wouldn't have been complete without you.”

Frederic Buechner

I had two thoughts when I read this quote. First, I never heard of this person and it makes me want to know more.  So this summer I will get one of his 35 books and see what he is all about. Then I thought, what a delightful way of telling people that their very existence is important. It is important to God and should be so regarded by everyone else.

It is very common for people to shy away from any idea that they have value. For some reason we have developed the idea that considering ourselves as valuable to the world is somehow wrong.  We never want to be considered egotistical or proud and we disdain anyone who does declare their value.  Jesus actually cautioned us to avoid this error when he said that we should not hide our light under a bushel basket!

Throughout the Acts of the Apostles we read of those who embraced the message of Christ and how they were transformed into what they called people of light.  We should all feel that.  We are duty-bound to go as deep as necessary to find that light. Then nurture it, keep it growing and filling our hearts so that everyone who comes in contact with us feels valued.

Now the problem is, that when we are told to see God in people, we come up against a really difficult task.  It is easier and better, I think, to try to understand what God sees in them.  We know, whether we want to acknowledge it or not, that everyone has value in His eyes.  We certainly find comfort and joy in that knowledge for ourselves. So why are we so reluctant to admit it in others?  We have to ask ourselves who do we think we are? 

There is so much more to a person than their outward appearance or even what they have done.  The one thing we are really good at, but shouldn’t do, is make judgments about others. I am always reminded of the police detective in the Michael Connelly books, Harry Bosch.  He was asked why he was working so hard to find out who killed a homeless man.  He replied, “Everybody counts.”  That is God’s opinion as well. 

On his last hours on earth, Jesus cautioned his disciples to keep his commandments.

There were only two: Love God and love your neighbor.  It would behoove us to remember that they are equal in importance in his eyes. 

Blessings

Carol Lemelin OPA