There’s tension between Paul and the Corinthians, and villains are working against him. But Paul wants only the best for the Corinthians. By revealing the true masters of the universe, he gives them the power of grace, love and communion.
The coming of the Spirit at Pentecost lit the fire of the Church. It is our job to keep our hearts as places where that flame can burn hotly. We don't need to extinguish the "lesser lights" of human discovery. In fact, we should help them shine! But we must never be so dazzled by them that we stop glowing for Christ.
The idea of being absent yet present, remote yet real, is a modern day paradox. Jesus has left our sight, but not our lives.
Life is messy. But every stain — even the stain of sin — has a solution.