One Body One Spirit

Brothers and sisters: As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one Body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.

Now the body is not a single part, but many. Now you are Christ’s Body, and individually parts of it. Some people God has designated in the Church to be, first, Apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then, mighty deeds; then gifts of healing, assistance, administration, and varieties of tongues. Are all Apostles?  Are all prophets?  Are all teachers? Do all work mighty deeds?  Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues?  Do all interpret? Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts.  (1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31)

Paul reminds us of our great responsibility.  If we are Christ’s body, then why don’t we act as if that’s true?  If we are all “in one Spirit,” then why don’t we treat each other with respect and refuse to divide into tribes known for nasty disagreements, even anger and hate?  If we all “drink of one Spirit,” then why so much racial injustice, prejudice, and bigotry?

Christ’s Body continues to be wounded and covered with blood.  Jesus on the cross should remind us that we wound others, cause them to bleed, and forget we were “all baptized into one Body.”  We are supposed to strive for the “greatest spiritual gifts,” but often settle for basic instincts of survival and self-preservation with neglect of our spirits.  

We are all capable of mighty deeds.  We are capable of healing.  More so than ever we and our nation need to see our gifts on display.

Deacon David Pierce