“As the body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy” 1 Corinthians 12:12, 26.
St. Paul is speaking directly to the city of Corinth and the many societal divides during that time. Like all scripture it stands the test of time and speaks to the reality of our present society. What we need to reflect upon is that Solidarity shows us that “we are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic and ideological differences. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world.” (emphasis added, Sharing Catholic Social Teaching: Challenges and Directions, USCCB & CRS).
This reflection upon our local and global family should lead us to prayer to deepen our relationship with God and to ask for a heart that loves all the way He loves all. It should lead us to assessing our priorities, resources available according to our state in life and ultimately to action whether it is at a local, state or national level to assist our brothers’ and sisters’ needs.
“For we are children of the age to come, when the first shall be last and the last shall be first, when blessed are they who serve Christ the Lord in all His brothers and sisters, especially those who are poor and suffer injustice” (Brothers and Sisters to Us, USCCB).
