RB: Ch 4:1-21 The Tools For Good Works
Mass: 1 Co 12:12-14, 27-31a; Resp Ps 100; Lk 7:11-17
Now the body is not a single part, but many.
There are many benefits to living in community. One aspect of communal life which I find particularly valuable is that there is always someone who can help, or has the specific gift needed to assist. If I need something mended, there is the expert mender; if I need help cooking a particular dish, there is the one with culinary skills; if I need help with artwork, there is the artist; there is a sister who serves as infirmarian to assist with health related matters. As St Paul tells the Corinthians, Christ's Body is made of individual parts, individual people, each one made in the image and likeness of God, each who has a gift or gifts for this or that. Communities are made of prophets, teachers, administrators, gardeners, artists, chefs, musicians, seamstresses, launderers, scholars, manual laborers, linguists, ones who see the big picture and those who pay attention to details, older ones and younger ones. Indeed, 'everyone has her own gift from God, one this and another that' (1 Co 7:7). Think about those who surround you in your community, family, classroom, or work team. What are the particular gifts that God has given each one of them? Today may be a good day to go to one or two of them and affirm their gifts and be grateful for their presence.
You must honor everyone.
(RB 4:8)
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