Lectio Divina: First Sunday of Advent - Cycle B

on 30 Nov, 2023
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Paris (France), Sr. ANNE LÉCU, December 3, 2023.-  Thanking the Lord for others.

READING

First Letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor 1:3-9)

Brethren, Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, that in him you were enriched in every way, with all discourse and all knowledge, as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you, so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus [Christ]. God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
 

REFLECTION

In his address to the Corinthians, Paul thanks God for their faith. It's a powerful text, because he doesn't give thanks for himself, but for others. This is even more remarkable given that Paul will not hesitate to address the Corinthians boldly,, in other passages. He speaks to them even quite frankly, when he judges that they are shirking in their faith that they have received.

Paul lists these gifts that the Corinthians have received, and really, we must listen to him, because he's talking about us too. Those around us have received "enriched in every way, with all discourse and all knowledge, as the testimony to Christ ". No gift is lacking. And it is the Lord, and he alone, who "will keep you firm to the end ", also each one of our loved ones, our sisters in the community, our neighbors who are close to us on the pew in the Church, including those we find vulnerable and faithless. 

MEDITATION

We cannot see for ourselves the gifts we have received. But if we open our eyes, we can marvel at what others have received. Often, those around us can't judge our faith - no one can or should - but marvel at it. The encouragement of those close to us is invaluable in supporting our own vulnerable faith. Watching begins like this: contemplating God's work in others. Paul asks us to engage in this act of watching out for them, and it's a beautiful way to begin Advent.

PRAYER

Blessed are you, Lord, for having given us brothers and sisters who offer us a glimpse of your generosity. Keep them in the love with which you have loved them.

CONTEMPLATION

"You do not lack the gift of grace".