In the first reading, Saint Paul tells the Corinthians: “If I preach the gospel, this is no reason for me to boast, for an obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it!” Often we think of that as an “I’m going to go to hell if I don’t do this” kind of statement. In a way, that’s true. As an ordained deacon, I must preach the Gospel for the Church and to the Church.
There is so much more there, though, in that simple statement. First, it tells us that it’s not our message. We cannot pick or choose or create our own Gospel. Jesus Christ left a Church to safeguard the deposit of faith that Church wrote the scriptures and is still giving a living testimony to their meaning. Yet, we find there are now 40,000+ denominations of Christianity. Way too many people treated the Gospel like a buffet or a cafeteria. Jesus did not offer people a menu; he said, pick up my cross and follow me.
Then there is this “woe to me if I do not preach it.” Again, that sounds like a fearful statement, and it should be. But it’s also a reality to the Christian way of life. Our hearts should yearn to speak of Jesus, to tell others of our God. Just like being at Thanksgiving after losing a family member feels incomplete, coming to the altar for the Eucharist knowing there are lost souls, our brothers, and sisters, out in the world not knowing about Him should drive us to action. Should we not be yearning to bring all people into the body of Christ? Woe to me if I do not preach the truth, sorrow to my heart, and anguish to my soul should I not love you as much as Jesus loves you.
Paul further says: “To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak. I have become all things to all, to save at least some. All this I do for the sake of the Gospel, so that I too may have a share in it.” Saint Paul was willing to put it all on the line, do whatever it takes, and bring the Gospel to every person. All for the sake of the Gospel, all for Jesus, not for himself. Yet, that’s what it takes that we, too, might have a share in eternal life.
Paul reminds us that just hearing the Gospel isn’t enough. We must act on it. We must live by it—all of it, not only the parts we like or find convenient. Because the Church isn’t about picking or choosing, it’s not a restaurant that serves us Sacraments on a platter; it is a place for disciples to gather at the foot of the cross and grow to be more like Jesus. It’s time for us as Catholics to begin to live our faith, informing our conscience to what the Church truly teaches, and then abiding by it in obedience to Jesus Christ, our Lord, and our God.
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time: February 6th, 2021