Catholic Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere." (2 Corinthians 2:14)

The Severe Letter and Forgiveness

Paul explains why he did not visit Corinth as planned: he did not want to come in sorrow to the people who should make him rejoice. He had written to them out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve them but to let them know the depth of his love for them. The person who caused the grief has been punished enough by the majority. Now the community should forgive and comfort him and reaffirm their love for him, otherwise he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. Paul forgives in the presence of Christ whatever needs to be forgiven, so that Satan might not outwit them, for they are not unaware of his schemes. Unforgiveness is always an entry point for the enemy: the refusal to restore the repentant sinner opens the community to division that serves no one but the adversary. The Catechism identifies the community's restoration of the sinner as an act of mercy that reflects the mercy of God himself (CCC 1462).

The Aroma of Christ

Paul had gone to Troas and found a door open for the Gospel, but his spirit was not at rest because he had not found Titus with news from Corinth. He moved on to Macedonia. Then comes one of his most vivid images: But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. The Roman triumphal procession included incense burners spreading fragrance through the streets. To the victors the aroma meant celebration; to the conquered it meant death. So the Gospel: to those being saved it is the fragrance of life; to those who are perishing it is the smell of death. Who is equal to such a task? Not those who peddle the word of God for profit, but those who speak with sincerity, as those sent from God, standing in his presence.

Living the Word

Brothers and sisters, the Gospel you carry is an aroma: it goes before you, it fills the room, it is sensed before you speak a word. The question is what it smells like when you arrive. Does your presence in your workplace, your family, your neighbourhood carry the fragrance of Christ? Or has the aroma been diluted by inconsistency, by compromise, by the peddling of the word for social acceptance? Speak with sincerity, as from God, in his presence.

Prayer

Lord God, lead us in your triumphal procession and spread through us the aroma of the knowledge of Christ everywhere. Let us speak your word with sincerity, as those sent from you, standing in your presence. And give us the courage to forgive and restore the repentant, lest Satan outwit us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.