Jan 26th

Post date: Jan 28, 2020 5:56:31 PM

January 26, 2020 Homily by Fr. Karl Schray

The readings for today’s Mass were not chosen for the annual week

of Prayer for Christian unity, but it is hard to imagine a more appropriate

reading for it than today’s second reading from 1^st Corinthians.

The first reading and the Gospel speak of light shining in the darkness.

Surely the light of Christ would shine more brightly

if all Christians were united in love as Jesus intended.

Scholars suggest that those in Corinth who followed certain individuals were satisfying personal preferences

regarding their style of preaching, teaching and/or interpreting the

Good News. Apollos, who had been educated in Alexandria, Egypt

probably attracted intellectual believers.

Jewish Christians who found it difficult to relinquish certain traditional

practices or rituals may have sought out Peter. Paul may have been

favored as the one who first brought the Good News of Jesus to Corinth.

Calling for an end to these competing loyalties,

Paul urged his readers to work toward that unity and cooperation

that should distinguish all who believe in Jesus.

Paul reminds us that the process of daily conversion is hindered,

and the unity of the community threatened if believers allow factions,

quarrels and rivalries to confuse their faith.

Speaking for all our popes and bishops, Emeritus Pope Benedict xvi said,

“We all have the duty to pray and work for the overcoming of every

division between Christians. Let us respond to Christ’s desire ‘that all may be one so that the world will believe.’”