St. Mary's Church Elizabeth, IL

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The hidden power of unity

Read 1 Corinthians, chapter 10, verse 1 to chapter 11, verse 16

Paul devotes some of his most magnificent writing to several powerful reflections on the theme of unity.  Given the cosmopolitan nature of Corinth and sharp contrast that existed between the rich and poor in this boomtown, it was inevitable that this church would struggle in its journey toward true community.  Paul starts his reflections with the central image of the Christian spirtual life-the Eucharist.  "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ?  The bread that we break, is is not a sharing in the body of Christ?" The transformation we experience when we celebrate the Eucharist is not only the transformation of the bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus.  It is the transformation of a group of divergent individuals into a true community-somthing no less miraculous!

     "Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body."

                                                                                             1Corinthians 10:17

Unity flows through many dimensions. We must unite the words that we say with the deeds that we do-unlike some in the ancient Israel who "all ate the same spirtual food" of the Exodus events but did not all live out God's commandments (10:3-5).  Those who are stronger in faith must be one with the weaker, even if it means - as any parent knows - we surrender some freedom in the process. Women and men must acknowledge their fundamental union with one another and with God.  "For just as woman came from an so man comes through woman; but all things come from God."

Above all else, the faith that is celebrated must be one with the Faith that is lived-the subject of Paul's next consideration!

     What does it mean to be a part of a real commnunity?

Prayer Starter: Come, Holy Spirit.  Transform our Chruch into a more perfect commnity.

Fr. Joachim

We celebrate today, together with Most Reverned Bishop David J. Malloy, Bishop of Rockford, a centennial of St. John the Evangelist Church in Hanover, IL.  For a hundred years the Holy Spirit touched the hearts and minds of individuals and the community who have nourished with the Body of Christ at St. John's.  We are grateful to God for these years and as a our Church continues to journey ever more deeply into the living word of God, new possibilities and meanings unfold shedding light on our life as Gods's beloved childlren.