Today we are starting a series of 7 Homilies on the 1st Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians.
We are calling it the “AGAPE Homily Series”. It will go from January 16 - February 27, which is the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday which is when Lent starts and then we’ll start another one.
Why did I choose this letter? Because for these next seven Sundays, the Church has chosen this letter and goes through it little by little. The Church chose to start at Chapter 12 and go to Chapter 15. So, these next weeks, the First Readings vary, the Psalms vary, the Gospels vary (mostly going through the early ministry of Jesus, since we just celebrated Christmas and the Epiphany and Jesus’ Baptism), but the Second Reading remains this same Book of the Bible, the same few chapters of that Book, and so, it must be pretty important. And since we often look to the First Readings and the Gospels, I thought it would be interesting and fun to dive into the Second Reading.
We are going to divide the “AGAPE Series” into the following themes, taken from the readings themselves:
January 16: Gift
January 23: Body
January 30: Love
February 6: Gospel
February 13: Resurrection
February 20: Adam and Eve
February 27: Victory
So, a couple of introduction points to this famous Letter.
First of all, who wrote it? Pretty clear, St. Paul.
When was it written? Around AD 53–54.
Who was it written to? The Corinthians. The Christians in the city of Corinth.
Who are the Christians of Corinth? Corinth is a city in present day south central Greece. St. Paul founded a community of Christians there on his second missionary journey, and he spent a good year and a half there initially. This time he is writing them a few years later after a few issues arose in the community, especially regarding sexuality, liturgy and food guidelines.
What do we know about Corinth? Corinth was a flourishing city and was the capital of the Roman Province of Achaea. St. Paul knew it was an important city and he went there on purpose to bring the message of the light of the Gospel. Unfortunately, the ancient city of Corinth was totally destroyed by a 6.5 earthquake in 1858.
Why do we say “1st Letter”? Well, it’s one of two letters that we have, but it’s known that St. Paul wrote at least four letters to the Corinthians, because the other letters are referred to, but unfortunately we don’t have them.
Today’s passage is about gifts. The early Christians in Corinth were struggling with knowing, accepting and using their gifts for the good of the whole community. But before we talk about how to use our gifts, we need to know what our gifts are in the first place. As was written at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, “know thyself”. This week, I invite you to reflect and talk about your gifts and talents. If Jesus was able to turn water into wine, and wine into himself (Love), imagine what he would be able to do with you if you offer him your gifts?
Have a wonderful week! If you need anything, never hesitate to ask me.
God bless you and your loved ones, Fr. Kramer Cameron, LC