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Ordinary Time · Saint Mary Magdalene · Year C

2 Corinthians 5:14-17

The Ministry of Reconciliation

July 22, 2028

The Meeting of Esau and Jacob, Giovanni Maria Bottala
The Meeting of Esau and Jacob, Giovanni Maria Bottala, c. 1630sPinacoteca Nazionale, Bologna
The two brothers meeting in the open with both households crowded behind them, the children and the animals pressing in at the edges of it.Paul's ministry of reconciliation is not a theory here but two brothers in each other's arms, with the armed men behind them standing down.Giovanni Maria BottalaBottala, a young Genoese painter in Rome, who put the two families into the picture rather than only the two men.Pinacoteca Nazionale, BolognaThe Pinacoteca Nazionale in Bologna.Pinacoteca Nazionale, Bologna
Roman Lectionary
GospelJohn 20:1-2, 11-18Jn 20:1-2, 11-18
Second Reading2 Cor. 5:14-172 Cor 5:14-17
First ReadingSong 3:1-4bSg 3:1-4b
Responsorial PsalmPs. 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

Overview & Insights

“We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)

In this section, Paul draws a conclusion (note the “therefore,” Since, then [oun] , in v. 11) to the previous discussion. He rejects the opponents’ physical criterion for assessing the legitimacy of his apostolic office and seeks instead to establish valid, internal criteria.

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Take it further: 2 Corinthians 5:14-17

Commentary

2 Corinthians 5 Commentary2 Cor 5 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik

Walks through Paul's argument that Christ's love compels a new way of seeing people.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, (11-13), 14-17Commentary on 2 Cor 5:6-10, (11-13), 14-17 Working Preacher

Covers this exact passage as it appears in the wider Sunday reading.

2 Corinthians 5:6-10, (11-13) 14-17 Commentary2 Cor 5:6-10, (11-13) 14-17 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching

Explains what Paul means by no longer regarding anyone from a worldly point of view.

2 Corinthians 5:14-16 Commentary2 Cor 5:14-16 Commentary Precept Austin

Gives a word study of how Christ's love controls and compels believers.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Commentary2 Cor 5:17 Commentary Precept Austin

Focuses specifically on the declaration that anyone in Christ is a new creation.

2 Corinthians 5:14 Commentaries2 Cor 5:14 Commentaries BibleHub

Collects classic commentary on the constraining love of Christ.

Background & Word Study

2 Corinthians 5:14 Interlinear2 Cor 5:14 Interlinear BibleHub

Shows the Greek text word by word for Paul's statement on Christ's love.

Book of 2 Corinthians SummaryBook of 2 Cor Summary BibleProject

Gives an animated overview of Paul's argument about weakness and new life.

Questions preachers ask

What is the ministry of reconciliation?

God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself and has entrusted that message to his servants, who appeal, now is the favorable day of salvation.

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