won by one
"The message of the cross is complete absurdity to those who are headed for ruin, but to us who are experiencing salvation, it is the power of God." —1 Corinthians 1:18
The Corinthian church lacked no spiritual gift (1 Cor 1:7). It could have been a powerhouse for God's kingdom, but was instead bogged down with problems. The typical Corinthian Christian was as undeveloped as a spiritual baby (1 Cor 3:1).
The Corinthians wasted much of their awesome potential because of their disunity. They broke into various factions (1 Cor 1:12). Paul called them to repentance, and thereby unity, by calling them to the cross. He proclaimed the cross of Jesus as the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:24, 18). Paul determined that while he was with the Corinthians, he "would speak of nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Cor 2:2).
There are more Christians in the world than ever before. We as the Church have the authority of the keys of God's kingdom (Mt 16:19). We have all the power we need to win the world for Christ (Eph 1:13). However, we are weak and often spiritually paralyzed because of our disunity. We must repent, come to the cross, and accept Jesus' reconciliation through His blood (Col 1:20).
Jesus is praying that we become one as He and the Father are one (Jn 17:21). Answer His prayer. Be the Church in power and victory.
Prayer: Father, may I "never act out of rivalry or conceit" but "think humbly of others as superior to" myself (Phil 2:3).
Promise: "The moral is: keep your eyes open, for you know not the day or the hour." —Mt 25:13
Praise: Father Nick wakes up three hours early to prepare for morning Mass, in prayer and reflection.
Reference: (For more teaching on Christian unity, order our booklet Introduction to Small Christian Communities.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 15, 2017
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