Always been Yes | Est in illo

"For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silas and Timothy—was not ‘Yes’ and ‘No,’ but in him it has always been ‘Yes.’"- 2 Corinthians 1:19.

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The epistle of 2 Corinthians is one of the apostle Paul’s most personal and emotionally honest letters. Some Christians in Corinth preferred leaders who looked impressive, powerful and successful. The apostle Paul didn’t fit that exact description. He suffered, changed travel plans, worked with his hands, and spoke plainly. Hence the church began to wonder whether he was trustworthy or even truly sent by God. The letter of 2 Corinthians is Paul’s response. This letter is very unique because the apostle Paul talks openly about his anxiety and emotional pain, near-death experiences, disappointment with churches and even about his tears, fear, and weakness. Paul does not hide these things. Instead, Paul argues that they actually prove the truth of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 1:12).

In the first chapter of this letter, Paul reminds the church in Corinth that Jesus Christ is not an inconsistent message. Paul emphasizes that Jesus is divine, the Son of God, the Messiah. This is the foundation: whatever comes from Him is authoritative and reliable. We live in a world full of uncertainty and mixed messages, broken promises, changed plans, words that don’t hold truth. But the apostle Paul points us to a Saviour who is unchanging. Always the same. Jesus Christ is God’s Yes to sinners, Yes to the broken, Yes to reconciliation, Yes to salvation. That means our faith rests not on perfect leaders, perfect plans or perfect circumstances, but on a perfectly faithful Saviour.

The Bible clearly teaches that salvation is found in Jesus alone. As we read in the Gospel of John: John 14:6: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Therefore, our Lord Jesus is God’s “Yes” to humanity’s need for salvation.

This matters because our faith is not built on sight (2 Corinthians 5:7 — “For we walk by faith, not by sight") . Every promise God has made—about grace, mercy, restoration, and hope—finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Our Lord Jesus is the living proof that God means what He says.

This Earthly life is very unstable and therefore we have to cling to this truth: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” - Hebrews 13:8. Let’s trust Him and live in the confidence of His unchanging faithfulness. 

Reflection on 2 Corinthians 1: 12-24 by Hanne

(Listen to podcast here)

Pengalaman Buruk

 

"Bahkan kami merasa, seolah-olah kami telah dijatuhi hukuman mati. Tetapi hal itu terjadi, supaya kami jangan menaruh kepercayaan pada diri kami sendiri, tetapi hanya kepada Allah yang membangkitkan orang-orang mati" - 2 Korintus 1: 9. 

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Bersyukur atas Pengalaman Buruk

Bacaan hari ini menggambarkan bagaimana Rasul Paulus bersyukur atas pengalaman buruk dan berat yang dialami. Ayat 9 menjelaskan bahwa pengalaman itu seperti dijatuhi hukuman mati. Sangat berat dirasakan. Tetapi Rasul Paulus tidak mengandalkan kekuatannya sendiri, tetapi dia berserah kepada Tuhan. 

Memang disaat kita menjalani proses yang sulit ini, ada begitu banyak tekanan dan beban yang menindih kita. Mempersalahkan diri sendiri dan orang lain atas apa yang telah terjadi, membuat kita kehilangan nafsu makan, sulit tidur, kesulitan berinteraksi dengan orang lain, dan menyebabkan stress. 

Tetapi sebagaimana Rasul Paulus, setelah melewati perjalanan yang begitu berat, Rasul Paulus mendapatkan kekuatan baru dan menghibur orang-orang yang sedang menjalani hal buruk dalam hidup mereka. Kita bisa memberikan penghiburan dan kekuatan kepada saudara-saudara kita karena kita memahami benar perjalanan yang mereka lalui, karena kita sudah melewatinya.  

Kita sebagai orang percaya dan beriman kepada Tuhan meyakini bahwa kita pasti bisa melewati pengalaman buruk ini jika kita berjalan bersama dengan Tuhan. Bahkan semua proses berat itu menjadikan kita lebih baik dari sebelumnya, dan mampu menguatkan dan menghibur saudara-saudara kita. 

Pengalaman buruk membuat kita bertumbuh, dan membuat kita tahan uji. Disaat inilah kita membuktikan iman yang kita miliki adalah iman yang sejati, sehingga ungkapan syukur akan kita sampaikan tidak hanya lewat mulut tapi lewat hati kita. 

Marilah kita selalu bersyukur dalam setiap keadaan hidup kita, diaat senang maupun sulit. Amin. 

Refleksi dari 2 Korintus 1: 1-11 oleh Meist. 

(Dengarkan podcastnya disini)

 

Not rely on ourselves | Fidentes in Deo

"Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead." – 2 Corinthians 1:9

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Grateful for Bad Experiences

Today's reading describes how the Apostle Paul gave thanks even for the difficult and painful experiences he endured. Verse 9 explains that the experience felt like receiving a death sentence. It was extremely heavy and overwhelming. Yet Paul did not rely on his own strength; instead, he surrendered himself to God.

Indeed, when we go through difficult processes, there are many pressures and burdens weighing us down. Blaming ourselves or others for what has happened can cause us to lose our appetite, struggle to sleep, have difficulty interacting with others, and experience stress.

However, like the Apostle Paul, after going through such a difficult journey, he received renewed strength and was able to comfort those who were experiencing hardships in their lives. We too can offer comfort and strength to our brothers and sisters because we truly understand the journey they are going through—we have gone through it ourselves.

As believers who have faith in God, we are confident that we can overcome bad experiences if we walk with Him. In fact, every difficult process shapes us into better people and enables us to strengthen and comfort others.

Bad experiences help us grow and build endurance. It is in these moments that we prove our faith is genuine, so that our thanksgiving comes not only from our lips but from our hearts.

Let us always give thanks in every circumstance of our lives—whether in times of joy or difficulty. Amen.

 

Reflection from 2 Corinthians 1:1–11 by Meist.

(Listen to podcast here)

Many who oppose | Adversarii multi

"a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me." - 1 Corinthians 16:9

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In this passage, Paul speaks of the practical realities of church life. He shows how faith translates into logistics, finances and relationships.

First, Paul provides instructions for the "collection for the Lord’s people." Paul asks the community to set aside money "on the first day of every week." That is, in a regular manner, showing that faithfulness is found in the habits, not just one-time emotional impulses.

Everyone is supposed to contribute "in keeping with their income." Helping is not about the amount, but about the heart and readiness to respond to others' needs within own means. Paul insists also on transparency, mentioning that he will send approved men to carry the gift. He teaches us that spiritual work requires also integrity and honesty in administrative tasks.

Second, in verses 5-9, Paul shares his itinerary. Here, he also admits in verse 9 that "a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me." Those "many who oppose" do not discourage him. On the contrary, to him, the presence of adversaries is a sign that the works are meaningful and worth effort. Paul does not seek the path of least resistance; he is steady and firm in his goal of proclaiming the Gospel and he seeks the path of greatest impact. 

Finally, Paul calls for hospitability towards Timothy. He shows also respect to plans and opinions of Apollos, accepting his decision not to go to Corinth this time. This shows how we should treat our co-workers, being supportive where necessary and respectful of others' opinions.

Thus, this passage reminds us that our faith and devotion to Christ is shown not only in prayers and spiritual exercises but also in the details of how we treat people and how we plan and carry out our works. All of our actions should reflect our faith and point toward God who is the source of all graces and strength to carry on.

Reflection on 1 Corinthians 16:1-12 by Agata Wierzbowska

(Listen to podcast here)

Firm in your faith | State in fide

“Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong” – 1 Cor 16:13.

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Dear friends in Christ Jesus, in today's Bible passage we hear about Paul who is encouraging the Corinthian community with his final messages and greetings. The purpose of Paul writing letters to them is to encourage them to stand firm in faith. He says, “keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong.” The community which is newly formed needs continuous attention and guidance. Paul is making sure that even in his physical absence evangelization is happening.

Every member of the community of faithful is important. Paul gives recognition especially to those of his disciples who work very hard to keep up the faith of the community. It is a wholehearted service rented from the heart. Those of the new converts need more care and accompaniment. In order to strengthen the new converts they need to stay closer to the bigger faithful community.

At whichever part of the stage of faith we may be, we always need to monitor our life. Faith is a gift from God. We need to be grateful to God for it and nourish it as much as possible. There are times when our faith is shaken and we are challenged, but in all those moments we receive grace from God to cling on to him. We read in Matthew 24:13 –“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Salvation requires steadfast faith and perseverance through trials, persecution and tribulation. Let us keep alert, stand firm in our faith, be courageous and be strong. Amen.

 

Bible Reflection on 1 Cor 16: 13-24 by Fr. George Joseph SVD.

In accordance with the Scriptures | Secundum Scripturas

For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve - 1 Cor 15:3-4.

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Reflecting on 1 Corinthians 15:1-9, focus verses 3-4, and St Paul's statement on what was of first importance: that Christ had died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, and that He had truly died, was buried and raised on the 3rd Day in accordance with scriptures (with over 500 eye witness accounts). 

It greatly encourages me that the Gospel I believe in is not some fantasy nor fiction imagined in the minds of the gospel writers, but also aligns with Jewish Laws in Jesus' time on earth where credible witnessing can only be ascertained by the testimonies of 2-3 witnesses. An example from Deuteronomy 19:15 which states: "One witness shall not arise against a man for any sin or guilt that he may commit; according to two witnesses or according to three witnesses a matter shall stand." And this is why many of the apostles chose death than to deny their faith, because they believed that Jesus is the fulfilment of what they had always believed and hoped for: that a Messiah shall come from the House of David. By sharing in His death through martyrdom, they too looked forward to the resurrection glory of our LORD Jesus Christ. This includes St. Stephen, the first martyr in the New Testament, who only moments before his death by stoning, boldly declared to the angry religious crowd who simply blocked their ears and hearts to the freely given witnessing of Christ's first martyr.

In Acts 7:55-56 we read: "But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."

How about us, as New Testament disciples? How many of us are willing to lay down our earthly treasures, be it our jobs, family or personal commitments? All for the sake of proclaiming Jesus is LORD to a world groping around in spiritual darkness, filled with terror of death, rumours of war, pestilence. How may we too live as people of eternal hope, whose power come from Christ and Christ alone? 

I'll close my short sharing with this beautiful hymn:  "Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me" by CityAlight 

Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me – CityAlight 

Verse 1 

What gift of grace is Jesus my redeemer 

There is no more for heaven now to give

 He is my joy, my righteousness, and freedom 

My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace.

Refrain 1 

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus 

For my life is wholly bound to his 

Oh how strange and divine, I can sing: all is mine! 

Yet not I, but through Christ in me 

Verse 2

The night is dark but I am not forsaken

 For by my side, the Saviour He will stay 

I labour on in weakness and rejoicing 

For in my need, His power is displayed

Refrain 2 

To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend me 

Through the deepest valley He will lead 

Oh the night has been won, and I shall overcome! 

Yet not I, but through Christ in me 

Verse 3 

No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven 

The future sure, the price it has been paid 

For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon 

And He was raised to overthrow the grave 

Refrain 3 

To this I hold, my sin has been defeated

 Jesus now and ever is my plea

Oh the chains are released, I can sing: I am free! 

et not I, but through Christ in me 

Verse 4 

With every breath I long to follow Jesus

 For He has said that He will bring me home 

And day by day I know He will renew me 

Until I stand with joy before the throne 

Refrain 4 

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus

 All the glory evermore to Him 

When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat: 

Yet not I, but through Christ in me! 

Tag 

When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat: 

Yet not I, but through Christ in me! 

Yet not I, but through Christ in me! 

Yet not I, but through Christ in me! 

Youtube: https://youtu.be/ZOYsSKhSQbg?si=2WcfZtlZAaoy_M8U
Provided to YouTube by Absolute Label Services
Title: Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me ·
Artist: CityAlight
Published: ℗ 2018 CityAlight, exclusively distributed by Wings Music Group
CCLI: 7121852
Released on: 2018-11-11

Reflection on 1 Corinthians 15:1-9 by Chris Tan

All in Christ | Omnes in Christo

Every rule and every authority and power will pass away. But who stays with Christ has an everlasting life - 1 Cor 15:22.

Are we not alive? Of course we are. However, the Apostle Paul speaks of a deeper spiritual life in Christ. While we believe that all things are sustained through Him, not everyone yet acknowledges or understands this truth. It is a reality that defines our existence here on earth, just as it defines our hope for eternal life in heaven.

In December, we celebrated the mystery of the Nativity; soon, in the Lenten season, we will commemorate the mystery of Christ's death. As Christians, we know that life is stronger than death, yet the struggle between light and darkness, peace and war, continues. Because of this, we reaffirm our devotion to Christ and choose the path of eternal life. We seek neither to live in darkness nor to face death without Him.

Every worldly authority and power will eventually pass away, but those who remain in Christ possess everlasting life. Through Him, we are called to place all things under God’s feet, ensuring the Lord returns to the very center of our lives—above all else and everyone else.

By God’s grace, we are delivered from perpetual fear. We need seek nothing more than the gift of eternal salvation, made possible through Jesus Christ our Lord. Through His grace, we are raised above our sins and weaknesses. Let us, therefore, remain thankful and put our full trust in the Lord. Amen.

Bible Reflection on 1 Cor 15: 20-34 by Fr. Jozef Trzebuniak SVD.

(Listen to podcast here)