Scripture Saturday--Detachment

But this I say brethren, the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none, those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice (and) those who buy as though they did not possess.


~1 Corinthians 7:29-30

Today's second reading from first Corinthians (above) can be confusing at first if we take it literally. Are we really to give up our spouses? Should no one marry? Why should those who weep, not weep and those who rejoice, not rejoice??  It seems to make no sense until you realize the common thread here is attachments.

As Christians, we are called to deification--becoming like God through union with God. As such, we need to take care to "strive for the higher gifts" and not become too enmeshed with the things and worries of this world--even the "important" things.

I think this was one of Jesus' main messages during his earthly ministry. Do NOT worry. So much (even the outward trappings of our religion) does NOT really matter as much as we like to think.

I also think this goes hand-in-hand with Jesus' admonitions (and real-life examples) against judging others.  In judging others' intentions, we are putting ourselves in a position of authority over them that we can not claim and making things important that just aren't important.  What is important is detachment from the unimportant and striving to become the love of God.

I really see Jesus as longing, as He said, to take human-kind under His wings like a mother hen, hold us, and tell us not to worry.  One of the methods He tells us to use is detachment.

 "Do not worry about your life--what you are to eat and drink or your body--how you are to clothe it.  Is your life not more important than food and your body more important than clothing?"  ~Matthew 6:25

In the Corinthians letter, I think Paul is telling us, as Jesus did, to detach, let go, and trust in Christ.

Daily prayer is a wonderful way to help us detach.  Placing all your worldly cares onto Christ every day, and going to Him throughout the day, through the prayers of the Office, the Rosary, or the Jesus prayer, is a great way to bring our minds around to our true Center who is Love.

Only then can we become love in our lives.