1 Cor 3:1-9 / Lk 4:38-44
It is said that very small children think that the sun follows them around wherever they go. In their own simple way, they think of themselves as the center of the universe. That same thinking sometimes reveals itself when they try to hide. They cover their eyes and then take for granted that if they can’t see, then they surely can’t be seen, for their eyes are the only eyes that count!
It all seems pretty silly until we think about the self-important competition that at times we all get caught up in. St. Paul is warning us about that in today’s epistle. Some of the Corinthians were boasting about who instructed or who baptized them, as if, for example, baptism by Paul should give them greater prestige in the community and perhaps even a better connection with the Lord!
Before we roll our eyes or laugh, we should take a quick scan across just the past week. What weird competitions we all fall into! What importance we award to ourselves in subtle ways. What a waste of time!
Paul points us in the right direction: Jesus. To walk with Him, to learn from Him, and to grow into His likeness as we care for His people is all that really matters, and all that will bring us joy. So relax, drop out of the self-important races that don’t lead anywhere, and get to know the Lord and His people on a different level. That’s where real satisfaction is waiting for you.
