A certain priest quietly gives back half of his salary to his financially strapped parish. He faithfully proclaims the gospel, but because he is not a gifted speaker, many find the liturgies boring and leave his parish. Eventually, he is succeeded by a pastor who is eloquent in speech and creative in his liturgies. This pastor does not believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist or the virgin birth of Jesus, and freely passes on these thoughts and other falsehoods to his congregation. Because of his dynamic style, the parish flourishes, accepts his teaching, and doesn't mind subsidizing his lavish expenditures.
This hypothetical story bears some resemblance to Paul's situation in Corinth. Like Americans today, the Corinthians were quick to be seduced by a pleasing presentation (2 Cor 11:4). Personal integrity, fidelity, and truth took a back seat to style, image, and stage-presence. Because the Corinthians were puffed-up with pride (1 Cor 4:18), they liked teachers who tickled their ears (see 2 Tm 4:3).
We who have a "sincere and complete devotion to Christ" can also be corrupted and fall away (2 Cor 11:3). We must put to death our fleshly desires for enticements and empty show (1 Jn 2:16), and seek only Jesus the Truth (Jn 14:6). What influences you the most – the message or the messenger? "What are you looking for?" (Jn 1:38) Live in God's word (Jn 8:31). "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (Jn 8:32).
| PRAYER: | Father, transform my mind so that I may learn how to judge what is pleasing to You (Rm 12:2). |
| PROMISE: | "If you forgive the faults of others, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours." –Mt 6:14 |
| PRAISE: | Even though he suffered ill health much of his short life, St. Aloysius tended to the sick until it caused his early death. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College