Lectio
Read the passage carefully and attentively.
Passage: “Brethren, we are made a spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ: we are weak, but you are strong: you are honourable, but we without honour. Even unto this hour we both hunger and thirst and are naked and are buffeted and have no fixed abode. And we labour, working with our own hands. We are reviled: and we bless. We are persecuted: and we suffer it. We are blasphemed: and we entreat. We are made as the refuse of this world, the offscouring of all, even until now. I write not these things to confound you: but I admonish you as my dearest children. For if you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet not many fathers. For in Christ Jesus, by the gospel, I have begotten you.” (St. Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians 4:9-15)
Meditatio
Reflect deeply on the passage, considering its meaning and implications.
- A Spectacle to the World: Paul describes the disciples of Jesus Christ as a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. Meditate on the humility and sacrifice involved in being a witness for Christ, facing ridicule and misunderstanding.
- Fools for Christ: Consider the paradox of strength in weakness and honour in dishonour.
- Enduring Hardships: Paul recounts the hardships faced by the apostles—hunger, thirst, nakedness, and homelessness. Meditate on their perseverance and commitment to the mission despite these trials.
- Responding to Persecution: Meditate on how we should respond to reviling, persecution, and blasphemy with blessings, endurance, and entreaties. Consider the example that was set in dealing with opposition and suffering.
- Spiritual Parenthood: St. Paul speaks of his role as a spiritual father to the Corinthians, having begotten them in Christ through the Gospel. Meditate on the importance of spiritual mentorship and the deep, personal connection it involves.
Oratio
Respond to the passage with a heartfelt prayer.
O my sweet Jesus, I thank Thee for the example of the apostles who endured so much for the sake of Thy Gospel. Please grant me the humility and strength to be a faithful witness for Thee, even when it means being misunderstood or ridiculed. Help me to respond to persecution with blessings, and to hardship with perseverance. Lord, guide me to be a spiritual parent to others, sharing the love and truth of the Gospel with those that Thou hast placed in my path. Amen.
Contemplatio
Spend time in silent contemplation, allowing the message to resonate deeply within you.
Think about the scenes described by Paul—the apostles labouring with their hands, enduring hunger and thirst, blessing those who revile them. Contemplate their unwavering faith and commitment to Christ. Let their example inspire you to live a life of humility, service, and unwavering faith, regardless of the challenges you may be facing at the moment.
Actio
Determine a concrete action to take in response to the insights gained from the passage.
- Embrace Humility: Seek opportunities to serve others humbly, even when it means sacrificing your own comfort or status.
- Persevere in Hardship: When facing difficulties, remind yourself of the example of those who have gone before you and choose to persevere with faith and resilience.
- Respond with Blessings: Make a conscious effort to bless those who mistreat you or speak ill of you, following the apostles’ example.
- Mentor Others: Look for ways to be a spiritual parent or mentor to someone in your spiritual community, sharing your faith and supporting them in their faith journey.
