Reading I: Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 12:12-30
GOSPEL: Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21
Reaching Out To The “Other”
January. It’s a time when many News Year’s Resolutions are going strong and they are usually targeting one area: the body. It’s time to tighten up those abs, firm up the gluteus maximus, and build some muscle in those arms and legs. In today’s readings, St. Paul has a message for all of those who would like to get rid of those problem areas – don’t! Every part of the body, no matter how flabby, is important – just as all people are important members of the Body of Christ.
All Are Welcome
The three readings today share a common theme: all are called to share God’s love and hear God’s word. In the first reading, when Ezra reads the law, he reads it to all – men, women, and even children. Each is equal and welcome to enjoy and celebrate what God has in store for them.
Likewise, in the second reading, St. Paul uses an analogy of the body to speak of Christ’s presence in the world, showing that all people share in the one Body of Christ. Each has a different gift to share, but no one’s gift is more important than another’s.
Then, in the gospel, Luke begins his good news by telling how Jesus came to teach all and heal those in need.
Help From Hindus
Sometimes it can be helpful to look outside of our faith experience to gain deeper insight into God. The Hindus have a creation story that Catholics can use to better understand our mission.
The Hindu being, Brahman, created all and was all. However, he was bored. He decided to divide the universe into different beings. All plants, humans, and animals would then think that they were unique and alone in creation and forget that they were once all a part of Brahman. The game ends when all creation seeks out and realizes their connections to each other and their connections to Brahman.
How wise this story is! As Catholics, we also break ourselves into different fragments of being. We go along in our lives thinking we are right and have all the answers. We don’t need help from anyone else. In fact many, especially those who think differently than we do, only get in the way of our “special” relationship with God.
There are conservative Catholics, liberal Catholics, Catholics who say the rosary, Catholics who fight for peace and justice, Christians, and non-Christians. Our quest as Catholics is to recognize all as the Body of Christ. When we recognize the spark of divinity in each member of creation, we are building the Kingdom of God on earth.
Help From Huck Finn
In an American Literature class I taught, we were reading Huck Finn. It’s the story of a mischievous kid and a runaway slave who are outcasts in society. Both are thought to be “sinners” by the society of their day. Both end up becoming better people by connecting with each other and valuing each other as people.
Few of us will travel down the Mississippi on a raft, but all of us have opportunities to connect with that “other” in society. This week, take some time to encourage diversity and recognize the strengths of those around you. In doing so, you help to connect the Body of Christ.
As my yoga video tells me after I try to get rid of my gut, “Namaste” – “I salute your soul.” Get out there. You’ve got a lot of saluting to do.
Life Applications:
What talents have you shared with others on your job? At Church?
What talents do you most appreciate in others?
What other religious tradition might you learn from to bolster your faith?
Check out the REAL Word Podcast for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary (Cycle C):
Original article by Nick Popadich, 2003-2022.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.