St. Mary's Church Elizabeth, IL

2/1

The Most Important Decision

READ 1 CORINTHIANS, CHAPTER 12, VERSE 31B TO CHAPTER 13, VERSE 13

     Some commentators have suggested that chapeter 13 of First Corinthians is a digression in Paul's argument.  It is, in fact, its center.  This hymn to love is the foundation of Paul's major theme: the unity of the community.  If the church is the Body of Christ, love is it blood, its breath, its life.

     It should be clear that love is not a feeling for Paul.  It is a choice to live in a particular way.  It is a choice to be patient, kind, not envious, not rude- in short to be all the qualities which Paul descrives (13:4-7).  Why are such choices necessary?  It is only when we make them, when we choose to place the needs of others above our own, that we can live in union with each other.  When we live centered only on ourselves, we cannot be one.

"Faith, hope, love abide, these three; and the greatest of the is love."

                                                                                                                  1 COR 13:13

     This passage reveals the inevitable logic of Paul's vision.  Unless we love, there will be divisions among us.  If there are divisions, we cannot be Christ's body.  If we are not Christ's body, we have no union with him and no part in his coming triumph over evil.  This is why we are nothing without love.

     Although this passage is often used at marriage celebrations to express the passionate attraction between bride and groom, its import extends far beyond romantic love.  True love is the decision to give first priority to what will bind us together and thereby build the kingdom of God.  The love of which Paul speaks is not being swept off our feet but rather laying down our lives.

     When has it cost me to love deeply?

Prayer Starter: God of Love, you are my destiny.  Allow me to see in the cost of loving a preparation for eternal life with you.

Fr. Joachim