“We are fools for the sake of Christ!” As “fool” is now commonly understood, this is a shocking statement from a man who demonstrated a faith so strong that he might have proclaimed his beliefs to be irrefutable. After all, he had had a direct encounter with the risen Christ and could present himself as an unchallenged authority – the ultimate insider.
Paul’s satirical use of the word “fool” seems prophetic. Over time, in history and literature, the fool or court jester came to be seen as a dependable critic of the power elite, sometimes even divinely inspired. Only a fool could illuminate the truth or give the bad news that no one else could safely deliver – a reminder of the folly of human pretension, especially in relation to political, religious and moral infallibility.
While he often comes across as self-righteous and arrogantly judgmental, Paul’s gentle lampoon of the Christian leaders of Corinth shows that he is deeply in touch with his own weakness and his un-knowing. He sees that his wisdom and power come from the power of the Spirit, not of human divining. He knows that to be strong, he must be weak; to be rich, he must be poor; to be honored, he must be reviled. And he knows that the kingdom of God is served not by talk but by the power of God’s love.
How often the “gospel” is proclaimed by prophets and apostles whose authority is based on absolute certainty that they alone can distinguish the “true believer” from the heretic and who is beloved and who is not, but who fail to walk their talk.
Lent is a time for deep reflection, a time to get in touch with our spiritual longings and to develop a deeper understanding of God’s purpose for us. Lord, in seeking your truth, let us strive to be as discerning as Paul. Let us be wise enough to question conventional wisdom. Give us the courage to be fools for Christ.
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