Weekly Bible Study - 1 Corinthians 1:10-17

26 January 2014
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time  

A charismatic cast of characters takes the stage in today’s second reading. Apollos is a captivating orator who appeals to the “intellectual types" of Corinth. Peter (Cephas) brings a compelling message of salvation to prospective Jewish converts. Paul wins the hearts of multitudes of Gentile believers. First century audiences are mesmerized by the giftedness of their respective preachers. But today's reading shows that too-human rivalries and divisions explode into a kind of competition among the followers of different early Christian teachers.

In Paul’s mind this begs the question: Whose message is it anyway? That of Apollos, Paul or Peter? Isn't it all about Christ?

Paul sets the Corinthians straight when he says: “I belong to Christ” and so do you! Don't confuse the messengers with the message! It is not human eloquence that touches our minds and wins our hearts. It is the message of the cross of Jesus Christ.

Our own liturgical celebrations can certainly be enhanced by the beauty of the sacred environment, uplifting music and dynamic homilists. But sometimes we need to step back and ask ourselves: Whose message is it anyway?

Essentially it is not about the trappings that surround the celebration. It is about the mystery itself. It is Christ's presence with us now and for all time that saves us and uplifts our spirits.

And when we leave our Eucharistic celebration we take with us not so much echoes of the exquisite harmonies or the funny stories injected into the homily. Such echoes do help us understand and embrace the central reality of our salvation through Jesus. But what nourishes and sustains our faith is Christ present in Word and Sacrament. We take with us the realization that together we are one in Christ, we belong to Him and we have today, once again, witnessed our salvation.

The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, leads Bible studies at her parish,Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is a CBS graduate and the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, The Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal.