Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today’s readings, from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians and the Gospel of Luke, illuminate the theme of spiritual growth and our calling as servants of God.
In the letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses a community that is struggling with divisions and immaturity in faith. He gently chides them, saying, “I could not talk to you as spiritual people, but as fleshly people, as infants in Christ.” What a profound reminder that spiritual maturity is not simply a matter of age or experience but a reflection of our willingness to grow in love and unity.
Paul uses the metaphor of planting and watering to describe his role and that of Apollos in the faith journey of the community. He emphasizes that it is God who causes growth. This is a fundamental truth for us as believers: while we may have different roles within the Church—some planting seeds of faith and others nurturing that faith—ultimately, it is God’s grace that makes our efforts fruitful.
In our contemporary context, it is easy to become like those Corinthians, aligning ourselves with particular leaders, ideologies, or groups, rather than focusing on the collective mission we share as members of the Body of Christ. We find ourselves tempted to create divisions based on how we perceive our spiritual leaders or our theological understandings. But we must remember that, ultimately, we are all co-workers, united in our calling to build up God’s Kingdom.
This theme of service and collaboration is echoed beautifully in the Gospel reading. Here, we see Jesus entering Simon Peter's home and healing his mother-in-law. The immediate response of Peter’s mother-in-law is to serve Jesus and the others. This act of service reflects the natural outpouring of gratitude and recognition of the healing power of Christ. It reminds us that encountering Christ naturally leads us to serve one another.
The Gospel also shows us the depth of Jesus’ mission. After a day filled with healing and teaching, Jesus retreats to a deserted place to pray—demonstrating his need for communion with the Father. When the crowds come searching for him, showing their dependence on his miracles, he responds by saying, “To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent.” Here we see Jesus’ dedication to the mission at hand—a mission that is not confined to one place or group, but is universal.
In both readings, we are invited to reflect on our call to be instruments of God’s grace in the world. Like Paul and Apollos, we are not the source of growth; rather, we are called to be faithful and willing participants in God’s plan, nurturing one another in faith while relying on divine grace.
In today’s Mass, let us examine our lives: Are we holding onto jealousy and rivalry, or are we nurturing unity and collaboration? Are we serving as humble servants, keen to share the good news of Christ with others?
As we leave this place today, may we embrace our roles as co-workers in the vineyard of the Lord. Let us strive to foster a spirit of unity and growth, guiding one another toward the fullness of life in Christ. And may our lives reflect the same spirit of service that Peter’s mother-in-law so readily exemplified—always ready to help, to love, and to proclaim the good news of God’s Kingdom in our everyday interactions.
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