Let no one deceive himself, St. Paul tells the Corinthians today – if anyone among you considers himself wise in this age, let him become a fool, so as to become wise!
Paul here is referring to something other than genuine wisdom; he is referring to worldly wisdom, which in this case is nothing but self-seeking craftiness. "Corinthian craftiness" was very well known in the region! So Paul says – don't be wise in this way – become a fool for the sake of Christ – become a fool as derived from the foolishness of the Cross of Christ. For this is real wisdom, this is of real value.
Instead of arguing about who is head of whom, who is important, who is the "most wise," He tells them to remember that in Christ – everyone belongs to everyone – because we are all members of the same body; and we all belong to Christ, just as Christ belongs to God his Father – and so therefore, we belong by association and by adoption to God the Father, as well!
This is wonderful news! This is the foolishness that we glory in!
The gospel passage shows Jesus calling his first disciples: James, John and Simon! They are attracted to him not just because of the work of power that he demonstrated for them, but because there was something truly wise, truly authentic, truly genuine, truly of God about him – and they wanted to find out more! He would make them fishers of men – allowing them to use their skill at searching, seeking, finding and attracting fish in a new arena of searching, seeking, finding and attracting men and women and children who are invited to become worshiping and loving members of God's family!
We too are invited to help the successors of the first bishops in their task of gathering in God's family – as we await the Day when a totally new life will begin for us all – all who belong already to each other, to Jesus and to God the Father!
To the Lord belongs the earth and all that fills it!
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