My family and I have been involved in the life of a Catholic parish for as long as I can remember. I have an aunt who was an Adrian Dominican sister. My Dad was a lector, catechist, extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, and more. My brother and I were members of the choir, and on and on. I write this only to say that I know there are roles in parish life where the spotlight beams upon those who volunteer while others’ sweat and tears are met with silence or a once-per-year volunteer appreciation dinner—if you are lucky. The same is true in many facets of life, as I’m sure you know.
Following last week’s readings that focused on our “gifts,” this week’s second reading emphasizes the profound reality that we, as baptized Christians, are part of Christ’s body and united as one: “As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ” (1 Cor 12:12). Christ is our head, and we are the hands, legs, shoulders, and more—the world today. If you were at a Mass that featured the longer version of this reading, you also heard that “the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are all the more necessary” and “God has so constructed the body as to give greater honor to a part that is without it, so that there may be no division in the body…If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy” (v 24, 26). God’s plan is for all to be valued, cared for, and appreciated, especially those within the body of Christ.
Think about all those who are involved in providing liturgies and programs within our faith communities. Whether paid staff or volunteers, recognize those who provide us with clean bathrooms, functioning heating and cooling systems, attractive bulletins, and clean floors, as well as those who lead us in prayer, teach us about the faith, sing, play instruments, pay the bills, and more! It takes effort from all of us, working together, to bring about all of the good that we accomplish. Moreover, just as Jesus proclaimed in today’s gospel, his mission was/is about bringing “glad tidings” to those on the margins. We, too, as members of his body, are called to bring affirmation and positivity to those around us. Our “good news,” like Jesus’, is about salvation through Christ, but it is also about building up and affirming each other so we can continue to spread the joy of the gospel.
This week, our challenge is to acknowledge the efforts and talents of others, whether inside or outside the body. By affirming others, we’ll be building up God’s kingdom here on earth, drawing others to Christ by our example. Try it out! May your kind words be contagious, and may your warm smiles serve as a boost to weary souls.
