The Body of Christ
When we gather as the People of God, we don't just assemble around him.
Christ invites us to be united in him, so intimately that we are called his
Body.
When we respond to God's word and become members of Christ's body, we are united
with him, and with all the members of the Church. The unity of the body-one part
can never exist on its own without the others-also allows for a great diversity
among the members. Christ, the Head of the Body, binds us together, and uses the
different gifts, experiences and opportunities of each member to strengthen the
whole church in its mission.
Because we are united to Christ as his body, we are called to be one with him in
his mission to redeem the world. Joined to the Son of God, we too are adopted as
sons and daughters of the Father. Receiving God's Word, we are called to
proclaim the Good News to everyone, in the places and situations in which God
calls us to live. Connected to the heart of Jesus, we join our prayers to his,
and call on "Our Father" to bring salvation to the whole world. Part
of his Body which was put to death on the Cross, we bear our daily crosses and
offer up our sufferings with him. Wherever we are and whatever we do, each
moment is a chance to join our lives to his.
How are you living as part of the Body of Christ? What gifts and talents are
you using-together with the other members of the Body-to strengthen the whole
community in its mission?
What are the obstacles you experience to achieving unity among the diverse
members of the Body of Christ? How do you think we can overcome those obstacles
in our diocese? In our parishes? In our families?
NEXT: Anointed by
the Spirit
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