Text for the Reflection
1 Corinthians 1:10-12
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”
Reflection
Richard B. Hays titles this passage, “A Call for Unity in the Community.” In the passage, Paul addresses the issue of divisions that had arisen in the church in Corinth. These divisions had torn the church apart and he appealed to them with his apostolic authority. In verse 10, he appeals to them that they may not be divided but united in the same mind and same opinion. Was Paul calling for uniformity here or was he proposing unity based on the absence of different opinions? This statement should be understood as a form of hyperbolism meant for people to realize the seriousness of unity that Paul is proposing. Paul was not suppressing different opinions among members of the church, but agreement in conduct that will result in common unity. Brothers and sisters the major challenge for our generation is divided along different identity boundaries ranging from politics, religion, race, ethnicity, and culture. This has become a major source of conflicts and wars. Let us focus more on what brings us together rather than what separates us. May the almighty God bless us all. Amen.
Prayer
Eternal Father, who at the baptism of Jesus revealed him to be your son, anointing him with the Holy Spirit: grant to us, who are born again by water and the Spirit, that we may be faithful to our calling as your adopted children; through Jesus Christ your son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
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