Ordinary Time
January 20, 2023
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. –1 Corinthians 1:18
The Greek word apollumi* translated here as perishing means absolute destruction, to come to a miserable end. While we may long for a second coming where all evil will be ended, death is the certainty we all face in real-time with the hope and faith that it is not the final answer.
We live and have our being in the meantime, and it is in the meantime that our focus must be. We are called to share the message about the cross so that those who are perishing because they are missing the faith, hope, and love of Christ can experience the love of God. Please note the language in this scripture describes the here and now, not a done deal. The people are described as perishing, not destroyed.
This is not just about individual salvation but also about systemic change resulting from our being the whole body of Christ worldwide. That starts for us in the USA in our communities, our states, and yes, our nation.
Benjamin Franklin spoke the words; Our new Constitution is now established, everything seems to promise it will be durable; but, in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.
Our country is perishing in various ways, and we as individuals and members of communities of faith,we are charged with bringing the same faith, hope, and love we know to reconcile the whole world to Christ’s amazing grace.
Prayer: Lord, open the doors of our hearts for sharing your love with others so that your amazing grace can influence outcomes for those with all kinds of needs across the world. Amen.
*https://biblehub.com/greek/622.htm
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.