Lent Day 11

First Signs

We are fools for the sake of Christ, but you are wise in Christ.  1 Corinthians 4:8-20  “Hey Mom – I had an Epiphany!” These are the words heard in a phone call from my son during his first year away at college. I don’t quite remember the exact event, but I do remember thinking how proud I was that he had come to some realization concerning school. We worked really hard at getting him to understand the importance of his education. He had taken so much for granted, not completely because he never wanted for anything but also out of immaturity. Out on his own, as I heard his excitement about a decision surrounding school indicated real growth on his part as our love, work and sacrifice begins to bear fruit. The Corinthians had it all including the love of God but in their spiritual immaturity, they behaved badly, taking advantage of God’s forgiveness, grace and mercy. So Paul writes to admonish and plead for their maturity in Christ. Having experienced the season of Epiphany, as children of God, Lent now calls us in to that same growth and maturity in Christ who sacrificed for us.