Readings:
2 Chronicles 15-16
Sirach 22
1 Corinthians 5

Paul now turns to a very specific, very serious, and extremely disturbing allegation he’s heard through the grapevine. He says that there are reports of incestuous relationships in the Corinthian church. Now he doesn’t need to explain why this is forbidden, because let’s face it, almost every single culture and religion in the world forbids incest, and Paul remarks that even the Roman pagans didn’t practice this act.

Incest designates intimate relations between relatives or in-laws within a degree that prohibits marriage between them. St. Paul stigmatizes this especially grave offense: “It is actually reported that there is immorality among you . . . for a man is living with his father’s wife. . . . In the name of the Lord Jesus . . . you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh. . . . ” Incest corrupts family relationships and marks a regression toward animality.

CCC 2388

But apparently he does have to address it, because even though it’s known to be an abominable thing, there’s members of the church engaging in it.

But Paul isn’t just disgusted and disappointed in the man engaging in incest, he is actually enraged and directing these words to the leaders of the church who’ve knowingly allowed this to go on in their community. Sure, you can’t actually force someone to stop sinning, but taking the instructions directly from Jesus that if someone refuses to quit even after being confronted then they should be “treated like the tax collector” or expelled from the assembly. This hasn’t happened in Corinth and it is causing scandal among the believers.

The purpose of excommunication is twofold. First off, the hope is that by taking this extreme action the sinner will be prompted to reform their ways. The other hoped for benefit is that it’s a clear sign to the others in the community that this behavior is completely unacceptable in the eyes of God and carries a very stiff punishment.

Paul tells them that this public sin is like yeast, and a little of it works it’s way into the entire batch of dough, so that you must remove every trace of it if you are trying to keep you bread as unleavened bread. He says that you aren’t supposed to avoid every sinner, because let’s face it, we’d all have to spend our days alone. Not just to be away from the “sinners” around us, but to keep from us sinners being around others, because we are all sinners. No, he makes a very specific list that are to be avoided, and they are the most serious of sins, especially if being committed by members of our community. Lay down with dogs, get up with fleas.

Tomorrow’s Readings:
2 Chronicles 17-19
Sirach 23
1 Corinthians 6