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OCTOBER 2008
Dear Retreatants, I hope this letter finds you well and happy. On a bed of grass, a chameleon’s skin turns green. On the earth, it becomes brown. The animal changes to match the environment. Many creatures blend into nature with God-given camouflage suits to aid their survival. It’s natural to fit in and adapt to the environment. But followers of Christ are new creations, born from above and changed from within, with values and life-styles that confront the world and clash with accepted morals. True believers don’t blend in very well. The Christians in Corinth were struggling with their environment. Surrounded by corruption and every conceivable sin, they felt the pressure to adapt. They knew they were free in Christ, but what did this freedom mean? How should they view idols or sexuality? What should they do about marriage, women in the church, and the gifts of the Spirit? These were more than theoretical questions—the church was being undermined by immorality and spiritual immaturity. The believers’ faith was being tried in the crucible of immoral Corinth, and some of them were failing the test. Paul heard of their struggles and wrote this letter to address their problems, heal their divisions, and answer their questions. Paul confronted them with their sin and their need for corrective action and clear commitment to Christ. After a brief introduction (1:1-9), Paul immediately turns to the question of unity (1:10—4:21). He emphasizes the clear and simple gospel message around which all believers should rally; he explains the role of the church leaders; and he urges them to grow up in their faith. Paul then deals with the immorality of certain church members and the issue of lawsuits among Christians (5:1—6:8). He tells them to exercise church discipline and to settle their internal matters themselves. Because so many of the problems in the Corinthian church involved sex, Paul denounces sexual sin in the strongest possible terms (6:9-20). Next, Paul answers some questions that the Corinthians had. Because prostitution and immorality were pervasive, marriages in Corinth were in shambles, and Christians weren’t sure how to react. Paul gives pointed and practical answers (7:1-40). Concerning the question of meat sacrificed to idols, Paul suggests that they show complete commitment to Christ and sensitivity to other believers, especially weaker brothers and sisters (8:1—11:1). Paul goes on to talk about worship, and he carefully explains the role of women, the Lord’s Supper, and spiritual gifts (11:2—14:40). Sandwiched in the middle of this section is his magnificent description of the greatest gift—love (chapter 13). Then Paul concludes with a discussion of the resurrection (15:1-58), some final thoughts, greetings, and a benediction (16:1-24). In this letter Paul confronted the Corinthians about their sins and shortcomings. And 1 Corinthians calls all Christians to be careful not to blend in with the world and accept its values and life-styles. We must live Christ-centered, blameless, loving lives that make a difference for God. As you read 1 Corinthians, examine your values in light of complete commitment to Christ. (Life Application Study Bible)
The following are some key passages from the Letter to the Romans: Corinthians 1:18—2:5 Paradox of the Cross Corinthians 9:1-27 Run the Race Corinthians 3:1-23 God’s Temple Corinthians 10:14—11, 1 Glorifying God Corinthians 4:1-21 Servants of Christ Corinthians 11:17-34 The Lord’s Supper Corinthians 5:1-13 Proud Immorality Corinthians 12:1-31 Spiritual Gifts Corinthians 6:12-20 Sexual Immorality Corinthians 13:1-13 The Way of Love Corinthians 7:1-24 Questions on Marriage Corinthians 15:12-34 The Resurrection Corinthians 8:1-13 Offerings to Idols MEDITATION FOR OCTOBER Breathe in the inspiration of goodness and truth. It is the spirit of honesty, purity, unselfishness, and love. It is readily available if we are willing to accept it wholeheartedly. God has given us two things—His Spirit and the power of choice—to accept or not, as we will. We have the gift of free will. When we choose the path of selfishness and greed and pride, we are refusing to accept God’s Spirit. When we choose the path of love and service, we accept God’s Spirit and it flows into us and makes all things new.
PERSONAL RESOLUTION Pray that we may choose the right way. Pray that we follow the right way to the end.
WORDS TO PONDER The Christian life is one of action; not of speech and daydreams. Let there be few words and many deeds, and let them be done well. St. Vincent Pallotti UPCOMING RETREATS During October we have four weekend retreats: 3-5 Oct, 10-12 Oct, 17-19 Oct for women and 24-26 Oct for men. Please pray for all the retreatants, Fr. Tom Finley, the retreat master and me. If there is a particular individual or group that you intend to pray and/or fast for please let me know. I will make sure to inform that person or group before the retreat begins.
THANK YOU We had two extra gatherings during September…one to celebrate the feast of St. Vincent de Paul and the other to raise money to help support an orphanage in Tanzania. I thank all the people who came and helped make both events memorable.
Have a wonderful and colorful October. Keep up to date with St. Lazare by visiting our web site (www.stlazareretreat.org). Know that you are always welcome to visit us at anytime. Know that you and your intentions are in my prayers. Please keep mine in yours.
In Christ, our Brother,
Rev. Michael J. Shea, C.M. Director
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