Saturday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time

 Lectionary: 478

And he gave some as Apostles, others as prophets,
others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers,
to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry,
for building up the Body of Christ,
until we all attain to the unity of faith
and knowledge of the Son of God, 

Yesterday, during the reading from his Letter to the Ephesians, we heard Saint Paul speak of "the seven unities," and today we have heard about those who are united,

"through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

They who are united exercise the ministries of the Church -- apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers (to name a few) -- and build up the Body of Christ until we all attain the unity of faith. 

That oneness is vital to our being and identity; to who we are as Christians. It is characterized by affectionate love for one another, and humility in one another's presence. No one needs to be any more important than anyone else for, by God's grace, we know ourselves as we are known. That is to say, both saints and sinners, beloved, foolish at times, helpless and needy. If we would boast of anything it is only of the cross of shame, guilt, anxiety, and fearfulness which Christ has borne for us; and which we bear with Christ. 

These seven unities -- of body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, and God -- clarify differences among us, and give them context. No difference can be so important as to alienate us from one another, or to the One who unites us. Within this place there is no need for rupture or schism. Differences and distinctions fade like shadows in the bright sunshine of God's love and our fellowship. 

But they do require alert and personal discipline. I should examine my motives and convictions and ask, "How important is this to me?" and, "Is it more important than my affection, fellowship, and duty to my companions and our company?" Most differences vansih under that light; and those that survive should be discussed. 

Within that unified and committed community, everyone experiences their personal identity, calling, and responsibility. Paul names only a few but we know that every Christian community -- be it parish, diocese, convent, friary, or monastery -- needs those who administer sacraments and those who launder the sacred linens and those who oversee the water softener. Everyone contributes and everyone welcomes the ministries of everyone else. And nearly anyone can step in when something needs be done and someone -- anyone -- must do it. It doesn't matter who! 

In quiet, unassuming service to one another, we see the Face of Christ.