Let All You Do Be Done in Love - October 22
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 31; PM Psalm 35; Ezra 3:1-13; 1 Cor 16:10-24; Matt. 12:22-32
Today’s Reflection
Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
–1 Corinthians 16-13-14
One of the things I love best about Paul’s letters is the strong sense of community that Paul describes existing amongst the believers in the churches to whom he is writing from afar. In today’s passage from the first letter to the believers in Corinth, Paul gives us a glimpse into some of the pillars of that faith community. We read first of two of Paul’s co-laborers for the Gospel, Timothy and Apollos. And then, as Paul continues, we hear of Stephanas and his household, and of Fortunatus and Achaicus, too. Paul is grateful that these friends from Corinth have come to see him, writing that they have “refreshed my spirit.” Paul is writing to the people in Corinth to encourage them to “put yourself in the service of such people, and of everyone who works and toils with them.” Likely, Paul has sent this very letter back with these three men in hopes that the people who receive it in Corinth will be refreshed in their spirits as they read his words to them.
Paul, at the time he is writing this letter, is with the churches in Asia. He is with fellow believers Aquila and Prisca. He wants the believers in Corinth to know that Aquila and Prisca “together with the church in their house” send warm greetings from afar. Paul and the believers in Aquila and Prisca’s church care for their fellow believers in Corinth. They want good things for them. The implication is that they are praying for them; it is important to Paul to let his friends in Corinth know that he is with them in spirit, even when he must be with people elsewhere. They send their greetings from afar.
Paul wants the people in Corinth to share such warmth and love amongst themselves, urging them to “greet one another with a holy kiss.” In that cultural context, a holy kiss was likely equivalent sharing a handshake or a hug or perhaps a pat on the arm or the back. At some points over these past 18 months, we have been required to abstain from these reassuring gestures of warmth and friendship. As some of us grow more comfortable with sharing these tactile gestures of welcome, we have those awkward moments of asking if it is OK to share a handshake or a side hug at the Peace during the Sunday service—or when we run into someone we recognize, whether in the church hallway or somewhere out in the community. I have missed these ways of letting each other know that we share friendship and human connection in the body of Christ. But I also don’t want to overstep the bounds of what is comfortable for others during these times when many continue to be concerned about spreading illnesses through close proximity. So, we may continue to have these awkward moments where we make eye contact and try to figure out would you rather have a handshake, a side hug, or a peace sign at a safe distance.
We have been through a lot together—as families, as a church, and as a part of a global community—over the past year and a half. It’s been joyous to see so many people returning to church for worship and learning and celebrations like the Blessing of the Solar Panels. No matter how we choose to greet one another, know that together we are able to embody Paul’s admonition to the Corinthians to stand firm in the faith, be courageous, and be strong. We are better together—so let all that you do be done in love.
—Becky+
Questions for Self-Reflection
When you have been away from Saint Stephen’s at different points over the past year and a half, what have you missed the most?
What will refresh your spirit the most now that you are back (or that you look forward to experiencing again when you return)?
Daily Challenge
What is one way you can get involved in continuing the culture of warmth and welcome at Saint Stephen’s?
Consider whether you are meant to deliver flowers or meals, send notes and cards, make home communion visits, greet people as they enter the church on Sundays, or help people find their seats for worship.
Or maybe it is as simple as greeting the people next to you in the pews with a smile and maybe a handshake or a side hug at the Peace.