As we read this passage from Paul's letter to the Corinthians, we are looking at a catalogue of the difficulties of being a disciple. Makes it easier to see why people don't drop everything and follow Jesus as quickly as the apostles did in yesterday's Gospel passage!
Paul is contrasting what he is experiencing with how the Corinthians are feeling now that they have accepted Christ. They are unaware that there can easily be problems for them in the future because of their newfound faith. They think that they have passed beyond the "folly" of the passion and the cross.
Paul is giving them a head's up. The time will come when they, too, could be persecuted for their faith.
Paul is also contrasting his present circumstances with his expectations of the joys that eternal life will bring. Eventually he will be fed on the words of Jesus, his thirst for bringing the Gospel to others will be satisfied. Yes, he will still be beaten, and he will be cursed and persecuted, but he is certain of his final dwelling place in the Kingdom of God.
We may be cursed when we work for justice; how will we respond? Will we bless those that curse us?
In the sixties and seventies, there were many peaceful protests to bring about justice in America's South. These demonstrations were often met with police dogs, fire hoses, arrests and even death. The demonstrators were silent and did not curse those who were persecuting them but also didn't stop their efforts to obtain their ends.
Paul tells the Corinthians and us that regardless of what we suffer in Jesus' name, the reward is eternal life and it is all worth it.
