This past Sunday was Corpus Christi Sunday. Corpus Christi refers to the body of Christ. There are lots of images that come to mind when I think of what that means; the vine and many branches, many parts but one body, we are Christ’s hands and feet. Perhaps you have different images than mine, but they lead us to the same place.
I wrote earlier this week about gifts. This plays into that scenario perfectly as some people use their hands, feet, ears, eyes, minds, to further God’s kingdom here on Earth. If we are all one body of Christ, then that also means that we are all linked together as a heavenly family.
Something I appreciate in certain cultures is that when people greet each other, they say “Hello sister” or “Hello brother” recognizing the Christ in the other person. The word namaste conveys a similar message; it recognizes the divine in each person, our divine light or the Christ in us.
If I believe that I take in Christ in the Eucharist each week or even if I just believe that I am a part of the body of Christ, shouldn’t I be more Christ like? Here is where the pitfalls are in my human mind. I can believe all the things and not act as if I have Christ in me. Many Christians don’t act very Christian like.
Being a living, breathing part of the body of Christ does not mean I’m better than you, I’m not. It makes me want to be a better human though. I want to be more loving, kinder, accepting, generous, humble, and joy-filled, just like Jesus. I fall short of that description most times, but I can try again with each day, each moment if need be. So can you.
Here is my challenge for you today or this week when you have some prayer time. What does being a part of the “body of Christ” mean in your life and how can you be His hands and feet this week?
