St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church

Paul’s greeting to the church in Corinth is undergirded by the recurring language of calling, a theme that returns throughout the entirety of Paul’s letter. Paul’s self-identification as “called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God” is a statement of great theological and personal weight (v.1). However, Paul is not using this descriptor as a means of self-aggrandizement but rather as a means of distancing himself from his personal achievements or accolades; he links himself instead to the grace God has bestowed upon him. Paul is simply carrying out the work God has called him to do. 

Paul then is able to redirect this language of calling towards the Christians in Corinth themselves. He identifies the Corinthians immediately as those “called to be saints” (v.2), a descriptor that seemingly contradicts the messiness and conflictual behavior described throughout the letter. However, Paul’s language serves as an intentional reminder of their unique and purposeful calling to life in Christ before addressing any specifics of their current predicaments. Their identity as members of Christ’s Body is a calling larger than any of the shortcomings or disagreements that might currently occupy their minds. 

Paul’s central emphasis on “calling” acts as an equalizer both between himself and the Corinthians and within their own power structures. Before he offers any corrective feedback to the problems they are facing, he reminds them that they all have access to the same spiritual gifts as a byproduct of their calling in Christ. Paul’s reminder that they are “not lacking in any spiritual gift” (v.7) is not a way to give them a pass on their behaviors, but rather to assure them of their full status and identity in God. A familiar analogue arises in our daily life: when a child misbehaves, an adult might strive to get their attention by addressing them with their full name, rather than a nickname. Being reminded of their fulsome identity often awakens something deep within the child that catches their attention and may redirect their behavior. Similarly, when children of God are reminded of the full extent of their identity, it helps remind them of their responsibility and calling in Christ. Paul is not trying to overload them with empty compliments or to give them a false sense of superiority. He is instead reminding them of the grace and generosity God has already bestowed upon them as he implores them to treat one another as fellow children of God, all of whom are called to special purposes. 

Paul’s reminders to the Corinthians—reminders of God’s faithfulness and generosity—issue a call to all Christians to cast aside the need for power and recognition still often found in church communities of all sizes and contexts. The challenges and complexities the Corinthians faced in their journey as a community were no match for the spiritual gifts and freedom God had already given them. Similarly, Paul’s letter serves as a reminder to us: that church communities today are uniquely called to serve as Christs’ vessels and to utilize our spiritual gifts in the context and locale to which we are entrusted. 

Divisions within the wider culture—and pressures within the community—are not a hindrance to the work of the church, but rather an opportunity to discern further the spiritual gifts that God calls each community to use in their given time and place. It is through these callings that God’s people can shine—as we hear in the Collect of the Day, with the “radiance of Christs’ glory.” As each community and every individual grows into the calling God has for them, God promises that he will “strengthen you to the end” (v.8).
 

Faith in Practice

Paul assures the Christians in Corinth that despite their challenges, they are “not lacking in any spiritual gift.” Take a moment this week to contemplate the spiritual gifts that God has given you. Write them down—at least five— then add to your list as more occur to you. Prayerfully reflect on the list and circle the gift that most speaks to you at this given moment. What is something concrete you can do this week (outside of your regular routine) to share this particular gift with your local community?

Ethan White is a Candidate for Holy Orders in the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia and is working towards a Master of Divinity at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA.

We are excited to announce that we have partnered with A Simple Gesture, who in conjunction with The Rotary Club and Redwood Credit Union, collects nonperishable food donations and delivers them to food pantries in Marin County. They have chosen us to work with them! Please click the link below to see how you can be involved!

https://www.asgeventmanager.com/c/NovSG0173 

Please contact Michele Sheehan with any questions you may have at micheleksheehan@gmail.com.

Other ways to donate - There is a donation box on the Narthex entry table where you can drop some dollars. You may also add your cash or check to an offering envelope marked "PANTRY" and add to the offering plate during the service. 

Please visit https://stfrancisnovato.org/st_francis_community_pantry 
for information and donation ideas.  

If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Ellis at evbuch@yahoo.com or Nova Alexander at nova@stfrancisnovato.org.

Thank you for your support!