Daily Retreat 06/18/09
2009 Jun 18 Thu:Ordinary Weekday
2 Cor 11:1-11/Ps 110(111):1b-2. 3-4. 7-8/Mt 6:7-15
From today’s readings: “I am jealous of you with the jealousy of God.... Your works, O Lord, are justice and truth.... Our Father who art in Heaven.... ”
The Jealousy of God
Chapter Ten is the beginning of the final section of Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians. At this point, he answers some personal criticisms and seeks to clarify the differences between his own apostolic ministry and the approach taken by his opponents, who have evidently dismissed Paul’s authority because they fashion themselves as “super apostles.” This term, and other references in these verses are sometimes difficult to fully understand - clearly, we’re much less familiar with the debate and the issues than Paul and the Corinthians were.
But, in any case, it is clear that the issues were fundamental - the “super apostles” were in some way preaching a different gospel, so they were evidently leaving out or corrupting some essentials for true faith in Christ. Rather than contenting himself that the Corinthians were at least sticking with a watered down or convoluted version of the gospel, Paul is horrified that such distortions had led them away from a sincere and pure commitment to Christ.
Explaining his strong feelings on this matter, Paul remarks “I am jealous of you with the jealousy of God.” This divine jealousy is certainly nothing petty or selfish - in the Old Testament, God’s jealousy was aroused when people turned to false gods or clearly failed in some other way in showing reverence to the one true God.
Even though it’s not often spoken of today, God’s jealousy is still as real as ever! And yet, there’s a modern tendency to patronize God and assume that He is completely satisfied as long as people at least believe in Him and occasionally say a prayer or two. But everything that God has revealed to us about Himself proves that such a half-hearted commitment on our part is not enough, for God is indeed jealous - He wants us to be completely His! And since our Father in Heaven created us, redeemed us, and showered us with His blessings, there’s no reason for Him to settle for anything less on our part....
2 Cor 11:1-11/Ps 110(111):1b-2. 3-4. 7-8/Mt 6:7-15
From today’s readings: “I am jealous of you with the jealousy of God.... Your works, O Lord, are justice and truth.... Our Father who art in Heaven.... ”
The Jealousy of God
Chapter Ten is the beginning of the final section of Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians. At this point, he answers some personal criticisms and seeks to clarify the differences between his own apostolic ministry and the approach taken by his opponents, who have evidently dismissed Paul’s authority because they fashion themselves as “super apostles.” This term, and other references in these verses are sometimes difficult to fully understand - clearly, we’re much less familiar with the debate and the issues than Paul and the Corinthians were.
But, in any case, it is clear that the issues were fundamental - the “super apostles” were in some way preaching a different gospel, so they were evidently leaving out or corrupting some essentials for true faith in Christ. Rather than contenting himself that the Corinthians were at least sticking with a watered down or convoluted version of the gospel, Paul is horrified that such distortions had led them away from a sincere and pure commitment to Christ.
Explaining his strong feelings on this matter, Paul remarks “I am jealous of you with the jealousy of God.” This divine jealousy is certainly nothing petty or selfish - in the Old Testament, God’s jealousy was aroused when people turned to false gods or clearly failed in some other way in showing reverence to the one true God.
Even though it’s not often spoken of today, God’s jealousy is still as real as ever! And yet, there’s a modern tendency to patronize God and assume that He is completely satisfied as long as people at least believe in Him and occasionally say a prayer or two. But everything that God has revealed to us about Himself proves that such a half-hearted commitment on our part is not enough, for God is indeed jealous - He wants us to be completely His! And since our Father in Heaven created us, redeemed us, and showered us with His blessings, there’s no reason for Him to settle for anything less on our part....
posted by FrPitstick | 6/16/2009
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