Scripture: What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose, and each will receive wages according to the labor of each. For we are God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building. 1 Cor. 3:5-9
Reflection: Reading the lectionary scripture from Corinthians on this 6th Sunday of Epiphany brings me to give thanks today for Floyd Patterson. Floyd and I played football for the Stephen F. Austin State University Lumberjacks. We were assigned as roommates for a season whenever we traveled to play an away game. I was not exactly fervent in my faith during the season that Floyd and I roomed together. God knew I needed someone at that time in my life to help light the path that would lead me back into a living faith. Floyd was the person God assigned and sent to me.
Floyd and I were teammates but not friends off the field. When we roomed together, we never talked about our faith, but we did not have to. Floyd simply read his bible every night in our hotel room during our away trips. He would then kneel by his bed to pray for several minutes. I haven’t seen or heard from Floyd in 40 years. Floyd probably does not even remember me. Nevertheless, Floyd was one of God’s many servants sent to me to nurture and water my parched soul, to remind me of God’s presence, and to light my way back to Christ.
Prayer: Thank you God of saving mercies and patience for all the people you assign and send to help us grow in our faith. Your servants are not always aware of how you are using them to shed your light upon a lost and searching world. Enable them with your Spirit to never give up shining their faith even when it is not appreciated or welcomed. Amen.
Action: Remember and give thanks today for all the people God assigned and sent to help you grow in faith, hope, and love. Send a note to someone that has been assigned by God to help you grow in faith, hope, and love.
The Path - El Camino 