Week of February 6, 2000
Rolf J.

St. Paul writes,
"I have become all things to all people,
that I might by all means save some."
1 Corinthians 9:22

One of the questions that Christians must always ask themselves is, "How then must I live?" How -- in light of what Jesus has done for me on the cross -- should I live my life? St. Paul describes the evangelical answer to this question in 1 Corinthians 9. His logic, however, is not what we would expect, because one cannot put the new wine of the gospel in the old wineskins of our former logic on life. The logic is: You should live in whatever way helps others gain ears to hear the good news that you have already heard. If dressing in one way inhibits them developing those ears but dressing in another ways helps them develop ears, then do the one rather than the other. The same can be said for diet, lifestyle, and so on. St. Paul says, "I do it [whatever helps others hear the good news] all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings."

Lord, give us ears to hear your good news, and give us hearts to live our lives in such a way that your message may echo off of us and resound in the ears of others. Guide us this week with your Holy Spirit, comfort us, protect us, and keep us strong in faith. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Contributed by Rolf J.
Published Sunday February 6, 2000
Week 11 of Liturgical Year v