Today we begin reading from St. Paul’s first letter to the Church in Corinth. Corinth was his problem child — and because it was it held a special place in his heart. Corinth was a port city and had all of the virtues and vices of a port. There were always new people and new ideas floating around. The Corinthians were fertile ground for the reception of the gospel. However, there was an ever present atmosphere of crime and immorality. As we will read in the days ahead Paul tries mightily to correct the errors that the believers in Corinth have fallen into. But before launching into chiding he begins with affirmation. I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, that in him you were enriched in every way. That is not just a good strategy to ensure being heard, it also reflects the profound truth that no matter what we have done, our core identity is that of child of God.
