St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians should be somewhat familiar. He uses an antomical imagery to help us see the complexity and the power of our being a part of the Body of Christ.
With a few words Paul teaches that those whoare baptized are baptized into one Body regardless whether we "are Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons." Ll of us, regardless of our talents , our successes, our failures, all make up the Body of Christ in our world.
Through a study of human anatomy, we can learn how the body is composed of many varied and different parts, all working together for the good of the body. Being a part of the Body of Christ by our baptism, we can consider how blessed we are. God has created each of us with close, personal intention. Sometimes, however, as it seemed to be among the Corinthians, God’s distribution of goodness can become a source of frustration, jealousy or even spite. In any social unit — a family, an office, a classroom, a parish, a sports team –in any group– we encounter different levels of God’s creating graces. Unable to accept or live with other’s skills or lack of particular skills, we can easily bring disruption to our heats, even to a group’s purpose and successes.
Through the many gifts of the Holy Spirit to us, we can discover, or perhaps for some, rediscover our being a totality in ourselves but at the same time being a part of the Body of Christ. The challenge for us I not to use other’s talents, blessings and so forth to create dividing walls.
Paul is trying to teach that in the Body of Christ, in the Church, we, all of us, receive the universal call to holiness. We are called to consider this: "The dignity of persons is intensified in the theater of faith" (Rev. William M. Joensen, Magnificat). Through act of justice and charity, no matter who or what we are, we all shine in the light of Jesus Christ.
