For this Sunday before Lent traditionally called Quinquagesima (from the Latin, "fifty"), I would briefly focus on the Epistle from I Corinthians 13 and its significance in approaching Lent. This chapter is the Apostle Paul's great exhortation about true Christian love, and it can be applied in all kinds of contexts. It certainly has a special application at this time in the church year.
As we look to the beginning of Lent on Wednesday, we should keep charity or love (agape) foremost. During this season, most Christians rightly stress the need for greater dedication and special acts of devotion. There is much useful talk about disciplines such as prayer, fasting, Scriptural reading, acts of mercy, special offerings, and so forth. We need to do such things for our spiritual discipline and well-being. Yet, we must also be careful lest we pursue discipline devoid of true charity or love. Any externally good actions without Christ-like faith, hope, and love prove spiritually worthless. So we must remain open to the grace of God which is the true source of love for God and our neighbor.
No comments:
Post a Comment