Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, Priest
Last spring a friend asked me to join her and a group of ladies to participate in a mini-marathon. I decided to join them to enjoy their company and also have some fun. In the course of the event, 3 of us had stayed together for most of the race. As we got closer to the finish, one of my friends began to slow down, so she encouraged the 2 of us to go ahead and meet up at the finish line. Our one friend sprinted off to the finish. I was tempted to do the same, but then I recalled the reason I was doing this event was to spend time with my friend. So, I turned around and went back to meet up with her, and together we crossed the finish line. As I reflected on this experience, I recognized it has significance for both my personal and spiritual life. I realized that I am influenced greatly by the competitive and individualistic aspect of our society that encourages us to be first no matter the cost. I also realized that the part that made the entire experience so rewarding and fun was being with my friends and joining them as we encouraged each other on the way. As I read today’s readings, I think they illustrate the importance of supporting one another on our faith journey. Sometimes this may be counter-cultural and even require sacrifice. In this year as we celebrate being the Body of Christ, I am reminded we are called to follow Jesus as a community of disciples, so we can all get to the finish line together.
In the first reading, St. Paul tells the Colossians that he “rejoices in his suffering for your sake” (Col 1: 24) as he “brings to completion for you the word of God.” (Col 1: 25) St. Paul recognizes the importance of his encouragement, instruction and hard work to help the Colossians come to the fullness of their faith. Joining together with the Colossians and “His Body, which is the Church” (Col 1:25) St. Paul challenges “everyone with all wisdom so we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” (Col 1:28) Through the instruction, support and “labor” of Paul and those in the community, he hopes that all will be “brought together in love” (Col 2:2) St. Paul uses his gift of preaching to share Christ. He accompanies the Colossians on their journey, so they can have “knowledge of the mystery of God, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Col 2:3) In a sense, St. Paul joins the Colossians on their race, and runs with them, encouraging them and instructing them, so that all may attain the goal of knowing Christ and obtaining salvation (eternal life.)
In the gospel reading, Jesus shows us that following Him may involve doing things that are counter-cultural. A man with a withered hand is present in the synagogue on the Sabbath. The scribes and the Pharisees are carefully watching Jesus to see if He will “cure on the Sabbath so they might discover a reason to accuse him.” (Luke 6:7) Jesus confronts them by asking whether “it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do evil, to save a life rather than to destroy it.” (Luke 6:9) Jesus chooses to heal the man (doing good and bringing life) despite the consequences that it will bring. Jesus demonstrates how we are called to share our gifts to bring healing and reconciliation, even when this may bring hatred or anger from the people in our society. Jesus shows us that giving of ourselves in love is the way that we bring wholeness to others. He sets this love as a model for us today, so that we too can help to build and strengthen His Body.
So as we celebrate this year of “Being the Body of Christ”, how might we be called to participate? I think that many of us may feel that we have nothing to offer or that we are not important as members of the body. However, I believe that we are all challenged to reflect on the ways that we can encourage others and bring wholeness even in the smallest of actions. There have been numerous times when a kind word, a hug, or a listening ear has helped strengthen me when I was discouraged. I know that I need to be alert to the opportunities to share my support with others in this same way. The beauty of the Body of Christ lies in the diversity of the many people who make up this body. Each person has a unique role in helping that Body come to wholeness. Through sharing ourselves and our gifts, we encourage each other on the journey. I am reminded that it is not just about me getting to heaven, but it is about working together and encouraging each other on the road to salvation. Through our love for one another, we can be united as the Body of Christ, and side by side we will get to the finish line- the kingdom of God- together!
"Heavenly Father, you lovingly made each of us as your unique creation. Jesus, your Son, shares with us how we are called to be one as you are one. By your Spirit, may we share the gifts you have given to us, so we may become the Body of Christ, and join you forever in the heavenly kingdom. We pray this in Christ’s name. AMEN"
- Marylynn Herchline