From
today's readings: "God is faithful, and by Him you were called to fellowship with
His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.... Great is the LORD and highly to be praised;
His greatness is unsearchable... So too, you also must be prepared, for at an
hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come."
In New Testament times, Corinth
was a city well-known for its licentiousness - throughout the Roman
Empire, for instance, "Corinthian girl" was a slang term
for "prostitute." Few places would have been less likely to give the
high moral demands of the Gospel a fair hearing.
And yet, when Paul arrived there around the
year 50 (cf. Acts of the Apostles, chapter 18), he found fertile ground for the
Faith, which inspired him to stay there for a year and a half. Later, around
the year 57, he wrote two great letters to the Corinthians (and two additional
letters which have been lost).
The two epistles to the Corinthians are perfect
examples of typical Pauline letters: they begin with a warm greeting, address
particular concerns which had come to Paul's attention, contain profound
passages of doctrinal exposition, shine with the intense emotions and
rationality of Paul's genius, and close with some practical requests and final
exhortations.
For the next several weeks, the First Letter to
the Corinthians will be featured as the first reading. All around, this is my
favorite New Testament epistle. Try to read the whole text today or tomorrow,
and I wouldn't be surprised if you too find a number of familiar and favorite
passages which perhaps you weren't aware are to be found in this great letter.
Even the greeting (read today) is an inspiration in itself!