Don’t Be Afraid of Correction
It is part of every aspect of our lives. School, work, family responsibilities, all have times when we are corrected by those who know better. If we refuse the correction, we ultimately do not progress nor succeed. So, why do we hate to be corrected in matters of our faith?
IN THOSE DAYS, when Paul had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. After spending some time there he departed and went from place to place through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesos. He was an eloquent man, well versed in the scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and expounded to him the way of God more accurately. And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brethren encouraged him, and wrote to the disciples to receive him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully confuted the Jews in public, showing by the scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.
Acts 18.22-28
In today’s reading, chosen because it references the baptism ‘of’ John, brings to the forefront those who in the ancient Church needed correction. Apollos wasn’t negligent. He was a faithful Jew who knew the Scriptures, and knew about Christ, but his teachings were not accurate.
This scenario should sound familiar these days. Around every corner is ‘another’ church (or denomination) that is teaching about Christ, but the teaching is not accurate. The same church may even baptize (maybe even in a parking lot) but the baptism is not complete.
This is a great season for us to be reminded that no matter how genuine we are in our intentions to love Christ, everyone has the potential to teach inaccurately about Christ. This is why the Church takes so seriously even the smallest detail about Christ.
If we don’t understand the full truth about Christ, we risk our salvation. Since only the Apostles were guaranteed to have the whole truth, as a gift of the Holy Spirit, then we must all (clergy and laity) be willing to be corrected when needed. But who does the correcting?
Priscilla and Aquila were not ‘just anyone’ from the community. They had been taught and trained by Saint Paul and the Church. They weren’t speaking from their own logic. They were sharing the truth the Apostles had shared with them.
When Apollos had accepted the correction, then he was introduced to the Church abroad. Then the Church was encouraged to receive him and listen to him. Any time we think we are the sole possessors of truth, we are lacking not just humility, but truth.
Sure, there are a few examples of the ‘lone holdouts’ throughout Church history. We can’t all be Saint Mark of Ephesus. We can’t all be Saint Athanasios the Great. Besides, these Saints were lifted up by the Church as true, not by their own words.
I offer you another New Year Resolution. Be willing to be corrected by the Church. If you currently hold a position that is at odds with the Church, be willing to admit YOU might be the one who is wrong.
It would be better to presume you are not Saint Mark of Ephesus, and rather that YOU misunderstood what you hear. Unless you are sent by the Church, like Apollos was sent by Priscilla and Aquila, it is best for you to listen to your spiritual father in humility.
Think back to that youth sports team, or your elementary school teacher. When you accepted the correction, you were able to shine. Now as a Christian, accept the correction of your spiritual father, who represents the Church, and you WILL shine with the Light of Christ.
Shine away….and if by chance you ARE another Saint Athanasios the Great, don’t worry. The Church will figure it out and it will be the Church that lifts you up. In the meantime, keep your head down, and embrace the correction.
