I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. (1Co 1:4 NIV)

If we read the apostolic letters to the Corinthians, we might be surprised at the admonitions and plain warnings St. Paul expresses as they point us to variety of serious issues and disorders in that congregation. Still his introduction is not just flattery and downright misleading. Both are true. The congregation in Corinth was a mixed bag of beans and the apostle addresses them as a whole and does not distinguish more or less holy and sanctified members. Our verse addresses the rich gifts received by the congregation. Did the godless have a right to apply this to themselves? Certainly not. On the contrary. They must have thought that the apostle doesn’t know them at all and therefore does not include them in these praises of the congregation. If however he utters admonitions in this or that regard, then all feel addressed and are humbled. It is demonstrated that the members of the congregation are responsible for each other and that they should take care of each other. Once a teacher entered a school where most children were playing around uncontrolled during class time with only a few seated in their place and trying to work. The teacher scolded all children as even those well-behaved and working should have exerted a calming influence on those misbehaving.  This was similar to the Pauline wisdom expressed in his letters. Therefore pray, that you also would be eager in this constructive care and accountability.

Lord, our God! You have given peace to people and a rich measure of your Holy Spirit to your Apostle and lips to confess your name and sing your praises. Open even our sinful lips and teach us to request the most appropriate gifts from you. Guide the rudder of our lives vessels towards you. You are the quiet haven for all, who are troubled by storms and tempest. Show us the way that we should walk. Discipline our fleeting senses by your Holy Spirit so that we would daily be guided in your holy ways. Yours is the praise and glory amongst your Church now and forever. Amen. (Basil the Great)

Praise to Thee and adoration, Blessèd Jesus, Son of God, Who, to serve Thine own creation, Didst partake of flesh and blood. Teach me that I never may From Thy fold or pastures stray, But with zeal and joy exceeding Follow where Thy steps are leading.

Let me never, Lord, forsake Thee, E’en though bitter pain and strife On my way shall overtake me; But may I through all my life Walk in fervent love to Thee, In all woes for comfort flee To Thy birth, Thy death, and Passion, Till I see Thy full salvation. (Thomas Kingo 1689 tr Kristen Kvamme et al. 1904)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for the eighteenth  Sunday after the high holiday and festival of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 341 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.