Throughout the year, we present an article in the bulletin each week on a variety of topics, written by a member of our Parish staff or ministries on a rotating basis.
Who MATTERs?
by Corey Shorter, Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity
“Christ is like a single body, which has many parts; it is still one body, even though it is made up of different parts. 13 In the same way, all of us, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether slaves or free, have been baptized into the one body by the same Spirit, and we have all been given the one Spirit to drink.14 For the body itself is not made up of only one part, but of many parts.”
1 Corinthians 12:12-14
Sometimes we overlook the intricate details of the human body. In order for us to “function” properly all of these parts need to work together. We are made up of so many different things. For example (internally), we have cells, organs, tissues, atoms, molecules etc.; or (externally), eyes, hands, feet, ears, fingers, etc. All of these things work together to make up the human body. “Every part” must do their job. Through the example of the body, our Heavenly Father had given us the blueprint on how we should operate as the human race.
This scripture best illustrates how the human body correlates to the body of Christ. So if all of the systems of the body work together for the benefit of the human body, wouldn’t it be the same case for the body of Christ? The scripture was specific on the different distinctions of peoples and this was intentional -although we possess diverse physical traits, we are all fashioned in the image and likeness of God. The scriptures affirm that we were created in this way, for His purpose and glory. It gives us a higher sense of importance to know that God has a specific job that He equips us to do.
When God created humanity, His intention was for us to exist in harmony, love, and peace. Division was never intended in His design. Society has conditioned us to separate ourselves in various aspects, such as communities, jobs, and schools. However, as followers of Christ, we should demonstrate this principle in our daily lives: the principle that is love triumphs over division. So to answer the question, “Who matters?” the answer is simple: Everyone matters! Because we are all a part of one body and that is the body of Christ.