“The better way”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Meditation – Friday, March 15, 2024
1 Corinthians 12:27-13:3 (Forward, p. 46) CEV p. 1199
Sometimes measures that were designed to help people in reading and understanding the Holy Scriptures have actually done the opposite. For instance, certain margin and footnotes notes, for instance the famous Scofield Bible, have ‘channeled’ peoples’ thinking in certain directions which might not have happened otherwise. That is why King James wanted the Bible version that now bears his name not to have any marginal ‘commentary’—unlike the Geneva Bible!
But this is not the only situation where this sort of thing occurs. The mere fact that most modern Bibles have chapters and verses, or are grouped into paragraphs, can sometimes obscure the meaning. (After all, none of these were in the originals, and our modern chapters—as we know them--and verses were only introduced the early 13th century and mid 16th century AD respectively).
We find an example of this in the passage selected for today’s reading. At first, I was a bit bugged by the inclusion of the opening verses of chapter 13. (After all, they are part of the famous ‘love chapter’ and I thought that yoking it in with chapter 12 would do it an injustice). But then I realized
that the chapter division was actually quite artificial and that verses 1-3 of chapter 13 gave meaning to what had gone before.
In chapter 12, verses 27-30, we see a list of certain ministry gifts, a list of which is by no means exhaustive. There are nine gifts, apostles, prophets, teachers, miracle workers, those who can heal the sick, helpers, leaders, speakers in other languages (tongues) and interpreters of tongues, and Paul asserts that not everyone has any of these individual gifts. However, the mere fact that possessing or making use of any of these gifts tends to be restricted or limited to certain individuals, it was well-nigh possible that the possessors might get a swelled head, get a rather high opinion of themselves, or lord it over others.
That’s where the opening verses of chapter 13 set the record straight. Tongues, without love? Simply a lot of noise. Prophecy and great knowledge, without love? A waste of time, worth nothing at all. Same thing with great faith. And, likewise self-sacrifice, extreme almsgiving: an
absolute waste, if done without love. This is indeed the ‘much better way’ that he suggests in verse 31 of chapter 12. And indeed, is this not also the case with each of us as well? And let me suggest two things: firstly, that this applies to all our actions, all our ministries, and not just the ones that Paul mentions here. And secondly, that we express that love in a respect for others, a graciousness, a kindness towards others, a pleasantness, a humility, and willingness not to take oneself or one’s ideas or ministry too seriously. Our world could use a lot more of this kind of love. Amen.
Forward notes: “But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way” (chapter 12, verse 31).
Commemoration: Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac
“Vincent de Paul had a modest upbringing, with his father selling the family’s livestock so Vincent could attend seminary. Through a series of experiences, the seventeenth century saint moved from ministry in parishes to founding an order that specifically served the poor. He was a master at communicating the extreme needs of the rural poor to wealthy landowners. He believed that every person could participate in a very real way in the kingdom of God.
“The gifts Jesus brings to equip us for ministry are beyond anything we imagine. When we identify our gifts for the glory of God, we can take steps that will eventually change the world. No two people are like. We each have unique gifts that we bring to God. I might offer my gift of music. Another person might offer their gift of strategic thinking. Still another might champion concern for God’s creation as their offering. Each of us is called to tap into the greater gifts of the Holy Spirit and find God’s more excellent way.”
Moving Forward: “What are your spiritual gifts? If you’re unsure, take a spiritual gifts assessment (you can find them online or ask your priest.)