Word to the Wise
Sunday, January 26, 2014 - 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - A
[Isa 8:23b-9:3; 1 Cor 1:10-13, 17; Matt 4:12-23 or 4:12-17]I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose. [1 Cor.]
Factionalism is the bane of all pastoral leaders! Jesus had to deal with it among the apostles and Paul had to deal with it in the communities he founded. And I know I have had to deal with it in communities that I have served! Sometimes the "factions" are parish organizations that are competing for resources like space to put their "stuff" in. Sometimes the factions are grouped around personalities who like or dislike a particular pastor or school principal. Liturgical tastes are a breeding ground for factionalism, especially over music! I am sure that my Beloved Congregation can offer plenty of other examples. I know any pastors could!
St. Paul, in today's second scripture, is addressing the problem of factions in the community at Corinth. Different factions have developed behind various preachers/baptizers. He points out that the whole purpose of the community is to preach the gospel, not to exalt this or that preacher/faction. It is the loss of the perspective of preaching Christ that is the most dangerous. In parishes, this might be represented by "spokespersons" who have an axe to grind about this or that subject! Paul is calling the factions to account for losing perspective about Christ! Can any of us identify "factions" in our Christian community? Are we members of one of these factions? Perhaps St. Paul has something to say to us! AMEN