Tuesday 16th September – Memorial of SS Cornelius, Pope and Cyprian, Bishop; Matyrs

Reflection: 1 Corinthians 12: 12-14, 27-31

UNITY IN DIVERSITY

“Every kingdom divided against itself is destroyed and no town or house divided against itself will stand” (Matthew 12:25). Ego fuels division and prejudice prevents unity. This is the crux of today’s first reading. The Almighty God surely enjoys variety as his creation clearly attests to this. He has endowed us with varying gifts and abilities; he situates us in different ethnic backgrounds and nationality. Yet, in all these, He seeks that we be one as a family in Him and achieve more through our collaborative effort.

Beloved, are you part of those beating the drums of ethnic dissension in the Body of Christ (The Church) and our society at large? Do you out of pride, envy or prejudice discredit the ability and contributions of others? Wisdom tells us that no one or click of persons has all it takes to build a virile Church or society. The Church needs a united choir just as she needs a dedicated altar server; the role of a lector cannot be substituted by that of a sacristan; neither can a Church announcer simultaneously and effectively discharge the responsibility of the Church warden. We must see our individual endowments and charisma as gifts from God for the collective good of all (1 Corinthians 4:7).

Love is our emblem as Christians (John 13:35). When we find ourselves polarizing the Church along societal affiliation, socioeconomic wellness or ethnic descent, it is a clear sign that we are grossly deficient in love. Our Christian responsibilities are too lofty and enormous to be sacrificed on the altar of prejudice, pride or envy. United we stand!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, heal me of every trace of pride, prejudice or envy; that I may better collaborate with others for the good of your Church. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 131 –What must we do for the unity of Christians?

In word and deed we must obey Christ, who expressly wills “that they may all be one” (Jn 17:21).

Christian unity is the business of all Christians, regardless of how young or old they are. Unity was one of Jesus’ most important concerns. He prayed o the Father, “that they may all be one . . . so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (Jn 17:21). Divisions are like wounds on the Body of Christ; they hurt and fester. Divisions lead to enmities and weaken the faith and credibility of Christians.

HIDE A TREASURE:“Every kingdom divided against itself is destroyed and no town or house divided against itself will stand” Matthew 12:25 RSV-CE

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