SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (MEMORIAL)

The body is not a single part, but many. 

What are you? An arm? A leg? Maybe a blood cell?

When we hear St. Paul tell us that each of us is a separate part of the body of Christ, we may think right away about the people who do “big things” in our parish. They are the beating heart of our community, the arms and legs and brains who do most of the work. But then when we look at our own contribution, we can begin to feel as if our role is too small even to mention, let alone celebrate.

The truth is, we all play an essential part. What would an arm or leg be without the blood cells or the nerve cells that keep it functioning? What good is a heart if it doesn’t receive oxygen? Every person in your parish is a vital part of the body of Christ. Your parish needs every one of them—including you—to become the light to your community that God wants it to be.

Your role in the body of Christ doesn’t have to be “big” to be powerful. Just think of those blood cells! Nobody notices every drop of blood that courses through their veins, but that doesn’t mean they’re insignificant. Each cell brings much-needed oxygen to the entire body, just as your prayers of intercession help keep your pastor attuned to the breath of the Spirit. Or think about your toes! They help keep you balanced as you stand or walk, just as every catechist helps the entire parish stand firm in Christ and move forward on the path of holiness.

The glue that holds the body of Christ together, of course, is the Holy Spirit. He is the One who makes the arm strong, who makes the blood pure, who keeps the ligaments flexible, and who moves the feet to run the race. If each of us were to invite that Spirit into everything that we do for the Lord and his people—that is, into every area of our lives—then this body would literally shine with the glory of God! The work of every member would add to a current of grace that would flow out to the whole world!

May each member of the body of Christ “drink of one Spirit” today (1 Corinthians 12:13)!

“Come, Holy Spirit, and fill every member of the body of Christ today!”

1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31
Psalm 100:1-5
Luke 7:11-17