1 Corinthians 1: 1-9
Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, to the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you— so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Recognizing God’s Work
Our friend regularly sends letters to our eldest daughter. After a flurry of tearing and tugging, she reads each one aloud to our youngest, passes it to us, and then hides it in some secret place before I have the chance to recycle it.
I imagine the church community at Corinth doing something similar with this letter from Paul and Sosthenes. Someone (who could read!) read it to the group at their next gathering. They discussed the message and what it meant for them. It was passed around again and again. Thankfully, this letter wasn’t recycled, though I do wish someone had successfully preserved the Corinthians’ response! While this tender letter was exchanged between people, it is ultimately focused on a different protagonist - God.
Where do you recognize God working in and through others?
Who do you know who may benefit from encouragement in their partnership with Jesus Christ?
—Lauren Hackman-Brooks is a spiritual director, retreat facilitator and writer who currently serves as the director of mission formation for the Jesuit Schools Network of North America.
Prayer
God,
Since the beginning, You have labored to make Yourself known to us.
Sometimes, though, it is easier for us to recognize You in the past than it is to seek You in the present.
Open our eyes and ears and hearts to the ways You are at work right here and right now.
Give us the wisdom and courage to nurture and encourage the faith of others.
Give us the humility and grace to receive such nurturing and encouragement, as well.
We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
—Lauren Hackman-Brooks