Word to the Wise
Tuesday, November 5, 2019 - TUESDAY IN THE THIRTY-FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
[Romans 12:5-16ab and Luke 14;15-24]We, though many, are one Body in Christ and individually parts of one another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith; if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. [Romans]
The image of the Body of Christ is an important one in St. Paul's theology. He expresses it in a number of ways that range from the completely physical (1 Cor. 12:12-26) to highly spiritual (Ephesians 2:19-22). He looks at it from the perspective of parts of the body, from the different gifts of those parts, and from the overall perspective of the Body as a building. In other words, he wrings that image every which way!
One of the tasks of leadership in the church is to recognize and promote the various gifts and integrate them with the necessary tasks that go with keeping a body organized and focused on its goals. Many a church leader from choir director to bishop can tell us is that this task is, at times, like herding cats! Some functions don't seen as attractive as others and human egos begin to assert themselves above other gifts. The attraction of power and its exercise can also be a problem. And then there are the personal feuds that have nothing to do with the task of the group but which are related to matters outside the group. Every campus minister can tell stories about the impact of a broken relationship on the programs of the ministry. One of the parties will disappear from the ministry!
To keep the overall image of the Body in mind when we offer our talents and resources can be a challenge. The most urgent needs may not match our strengths. We may be called upon to exercise what we consider to be a "lesser talent" instead of the one we like the best. I love to preach, but I have also had to serve as a superior, formation director, administrator, etc. etc. The Holy Spirit is the real leader in keeping the Body of Christ together and marching forward, but we humans have to do our part. AMEN
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