In today’s First Reading the Christians of Corinth are reminded by Paul that as a steward of the Lord and his mysteries he is accountable to the Lord, not the flock. This may concern us today when most organizations require some sort of oversight that comes from the group in general, but it is important to see here that this does not give Paul the license to do whatever he wishes. Every minister answers to the Lord for what he does, Paul included.
Paul himself says he doesn’t think he has done any wrong, but the Lord is the ultimate judge of his actions. This is not just true for ministers, but for everyone. If we can help someone to see that their behavior is displeasing to the Lord, we should try to help them see it, but ultimately they will answer to the Lord for what they’ve done or not done.
Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians is addressing criticisms regarding him and his ministry that he has been receiving. Let’s pray for our ministers today and give them the benefit of the doubt. If we experience the human weakness of one of the Lord’s ministers, let’s help him however we can.
Readings: 1 Corinthians 4:1–5; Psalm 37:3–6, 27–40; Luke 5:33–39. See also Friday after Ash Wednesday, 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Friday, and 13th Week in Ordinary Time, Saturday.