'For if we are out of our minds, it is for God; if we are rational, it is for you. For the love of Christ impels us, once we have come to the conviction that one died for all; therefore, all have died. He indeed died for all, so that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. Consequently, from now on we regard no one according to the flesh; even if we once knew Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know him so no longer. So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come. And all this is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses against them and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. So we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him (2 Cor. 5:13-21).'
In defending his ministry, Paul points out that he does not focus on superficial appearances like his critics. Some of them may have had charismatic experiences and religious ecstasy but that is not confirmation that their ministry is superior to his. It is only the rational mind, guided by the Spirit, that can lead others to Christ who was the model for authentic ministry by his selfless love for mankind which they should imitate. Christ died so that all may have new life which requires new selfless behavior. Before knowing Christ, we judge and act according to the flesh. After knowing Christ, we must have a conversion of heart and be reconciled to God so that God can work through us.
Almighty God, help us not to seek things that are too sublime for us nor reach for hidden things that are beyond our grasp. Grant us the grace to do the small things you ask of us with humility, joy, and contentment. Lead us to your kingdom inaugurated here on earth by your son so that we may share in his Glory in heaven. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
References:
Raymond E. Brown, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, & Roland E. Murphy, (Eds.). (1990, 1968). The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentis Hall, Inc.
Jose M. Casciaro, Santiago Ausin, Gonzalo Aranda, Claudio Basevi, Vincente Balaguer, Francisco Varo, James Gavigan, Brian McCarthy & Thomas McGovern (Eds.). (2017). The Navarre Bible - New Testament. Dublin 8, Ireland: Four Courts Press.
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