Pauline Thought & Theological Vision

St. Paul wrote 1 Corinthians in response to a society that was decaying within morally. His major theological theme or vision was that all Christians serve one Lord. Have Christian unity, and share a common vision. His purpose of the letter was to give the Corinthians guidance in Christian life, how to behave and act, and God’s plan for their salvation.

Corinth could be any town, USA in today’s world of Abortion, HIV/Aids, pornography and numerous other moral defects of our secular society. Paul’s style of writing was friendly, even though his last visit was what he had labeled a saddened visit. It appears there may have been a missing letter to explain the sad visit; however, Corinth was the gateway between the East and the West. It was the second largest port town compared to Athens, made up of Jews, Greeks and Gentiles. Paul had spent almost 18 month’s getting the church started there and had a passion in his heart to help them get organized and focused. Many followers were going in various directions as a result of favoring Apollo, Peter, Paul or none of them. Paul was trying to make them understand that the church already had its leader in Christ and that all Christians serve one Lord. Our parishes, churches, dioceses today still have these difficulties as a result of personal agendas, clicks, and people wanting no change in the way things use to be.

I can really relate to the issues in 1 Corinthians within my own life. I consider myself a servant or steward of God, in addition to providing loving service to those in need. Paul said: For we are God’s coworkers; you are God’s field, God’s building. He ministered to the ministers also.

Another area that has been very dear to me over the past few years is the area of evangelization, stewardship and charity. This is a very broad ministry, however I have spent numerous hours, reading, studying and focusing my discernment in this area. I came from a very poor family and have always had charity, volunteering, and love in my heart for those who are less fortunate then myself.

My faith journey relates to Paul’s theology on love being the greatest gift of all. I am gifted to have been raised in a family that has always been very, very loving regardless of the poverty, social defects and other setbacks. The Catholic faith was very traditional and strong throughout my childhood. The problem I had was it was more fun to be like a Corinthian then a Catholic when I got older and wiser. I thought I needed to make money, be successful, and pride myself in accomplishment. I spent most of my adult life striving to get out of poverty; however the poverty was in my heart and mind. When Christ said blessed are the poor in spirit that was me.

Paul preaches to the Corinthians about the body being the temple of the Holy Spirit. I was blind to that fact up until seven years ago, although raised Catholic. When my mother passed away, I said to myself, there is more to life then striving for accomplishment. It hit me that my body was getting older and I had failed to balance my life. How I ever gave up golf every Saturday and Sunday morning over the past three years to take these theology sessions and go to church on Sunday morning is be on me. The Holy Spirit gave me a gift that day when I was baptized 60 years ago. However it came alive again the day we buried my mother.

Now I can be part of Christ and His work as Paul describes in 1 Corinthians. I can be fed the body of Christ in community with others in my faith. My reconciliation has been very exciting. I have fire in my heart for my faith journey. The basis of Paul’s integrity is his love for individuals, whatever their religious or social situation. I hope and pray that I can follow the footsteps of Paul in my lay ministry to love those who need love, to help bring others back home to our faith, and to humbly continue my faith journey with the same enthusiasm and drive that I have had over the past seven years.

Paul ends his letter talking about our victory over death due to Jesus Christ. I still struggle with mortality issues as others do, however; I am preparing the groundwork for the most exciting journey of all. God’s salvation plan for me was re-written seven years ago, I trust He knows what he is doing.