Mysteries of God

“...stewards of the mysteries of God.” 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

The complete sentence in St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians reads: “Brothers and sisters: Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” The word “mystery” means to me what cannot be fully understood. We will never be able to unpack God’s mysteries completely, but astoundingly, He gives us access to it as His stewards, His caretakers. We are in a privileged position BUT in verse 5, St. Paul cautions, “Do not make any judgement before the appointed time, until the Lord comes, for He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness...”

This admonition is so fitting for our time when there is so much upheaval in our country and our Church. I can be so judgmental when I do not try to see things through God’s eyes. I can be horribly unforgiving and unrelenting in my discriminations. My sister said yesterday that probably our President is so skewed in his thinking because as a child, he was abused by a priest as he has revealed many times. Being taken advantage of by someone you trust can really scar you emotionally and stunt your growth into a right thinking adult. Only God knows. We may condemn the things men do, but never the sinner. 

“So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen,” as Jesus said in Matthew 20:16. In humility let us leave the judging to God and as trustworthy caretakers, do the work God has for us.