WE, THOUGH MANY, ARE ONE BODY IN CHRIST AND INDIVIDUALLY PARTS OF ONE ANOTHER (Romans 12:5-16/Psslm 131:1-3/Luke 14:15-24)

WE, THOUGH MANY, ARE ONE BODY IN CHRIST AND INDIVIDUALLY PARTS OF ONE ANOTHER.

(TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 05, 2019)

These days, loud is the praise of autonomy, self-reliance, and individualism. “I don’t owe anyone a thing.” “I am the captain of my ship.” My one goal: be true to myself.” For some, the self is stripped down to a grasping force: “what I want, how I feel, it’s my right, don’t interfere.”

Having a life of my own is a blessing. But to focus on this freedom loses touch with a deeper reality.
Paul reminds us that we belong to each other. No part stands alone. Christ boosts us out of separateness and isolation. By our own efforts, we remain scattered.

A greater power lifts us into a living unity. Standing together in Christ opens our eyes. How new the world looks, for this, we were born.
St. Paul in the first reading charts a path for the living. Each has received gifts, so get moving: use them to serve others. Reach out to our neighbours. Slow down to listen. Share another’s joys and sorrows. Stand together against division and hate. Seek what is good. Practice hospitality. Be generous.

Pray always. Forgive those who harm you. Stay close to the lowly. Each day give thanks. Don’t waste time to use your gifts for the common good. Whatever gift or talent we receive from God, we must use it accordingly says St. Paul. “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them”

St. Paul tells us to exercise our gifts. We also need to recognize and accept gifts from others since we are “one body in Christ and individually, parts of one another.”
In the gospel, Christ cited another powerful parable about the Kingdom of God. The king has planned a great feast. Invitations are sent. The lowly heed the call and show up. They know they need help; they have learned to listen. Others are too busy to celebrate. They send in excuses and retire to their own affairs. But now is the time to wake up. We are alive. Let us come together while there is time.

Let Us Pray: Lord Jesus, help me to play my part in you always and may I never stay away from working for you. Amen.