10th Week in Ord. Time, Tuesday – 13th June 2023 – 2 Cor 1,18-22; Mt 5,13-16
Firmness and Reliability
Integrity is an essential quality in our Christian life. Falsehood or hypocrisy of any kind will seriously diminish the effectiveness of our Christian witness. The first reading presents the defense of Paul against Corinthians of their criticism as two-faced. In the verses preceding today’s reading, Paul admits that he had intended paying them a double visit. But he could not do this, and so they accused him of being double-faced, of being a ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ person at the same time. Since he was unable to change his plans, Paul asserts the firmness of the original plan and claims that it does not indicate in any way a lack of constancy in his behaviour and work. He grounds his defence in God himself, who is utterly firm and reliable. God is saying “yes” to us in and through Jesus and His ministry. Therefore, he claims that this quality can be found in varying degrees in all those who are associated with God. Christ, Paul and the Corinthians all participate in analogous ways in the constancy of God. The real source of Paul’s security in the Corinthians and the one who anointed him and his companions for their work is the same God.
