Many years ago, I took a couple of anatomy classes. My studies focused on soft tissues and bones, and the first thing we learned was ‘muscles move bones at joints.’ One of the next items we learned is that each muscle has a specific function and comes with a ‘set of instructions.’ It is typically responsible for a main action or motion and quite often supports the action of one or more nearby muscles. Of course, in class we were provided more thorough and scientific descriptions, but this image comes to me as we hear this Sunday’s reading about the Body of Christ. Perhaps this is a simple and obvious metaphor, but I find it helpful in discerning how I fit in the Body of Christ. What is my specific and unique function, my responsibility? What am I doing to contribute as a member of this Body, and how do I support other members?
Last Sunday, we heard about the gifts we are given by God. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. (1 Cor 12:7) In the homily I heard, we were reminded that we each have a unique purpose and special gifts to offer, and in faith and thanksgiving, it is our responsibility to share them. I have always believed that, but I have not always known or clearly understood what my exact gift was at any given time. It’s likely the gifts we have and the contributions we make to the Body change over time and circumstances. Our gifts may be found in our vocations, in our daily responsibilities, in our hobbies, or in our volunteer work. Our gifts may be apparent and bold, or our gifts may be subtle and quiet. It may take time in prayer to understand our distinctive gifts, to identify our purpose, and to recognize opportunities to share them. But overall, our collective function and purpose as members of the Body of Christ is to be, and to bring, the love and goodness of God.
When I see others suffering or in need, I feel the Body of Christ is both strong and fragile. In those moments, I am more clear about my function and responsibility, if only in small ways. And in the times when I am weakened, I seek the support of the members around me and find refuge in their strength of faith and spirit. Together, we are the Body of Christ. We lift each other; we share in the Spirit; we are the many parts of the one body.
But as it is, God placed the parts, each one of them, in the body as he intended. (1 Cor 12:18)
Journeying to Grace 