Because You Belong to Christ

This Sunday marks four weeks since Hurricane Ida made landfall. Thousands have faced a difficult road of recovery with the loss of loved ones, property and businesses. Since then, so many have descended upon our region lending their hands and hearts: the first to restore damaged property and utilities, share food, shelter and other provisions; and the second to console those grieving with hearts broken and lives forever changed. It would be notable to say that we have witnessed during the past 28 days every corporal work of mercy in action. All of this because we belong to Christ. Because those suffering belong to Christ. Because you belong to Christ

In the name of Jesus (Mk 9:38-48)

The Gospel for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time steers our reflection towards the action of the Holy Spirit in the life of discipleship. In this passage St. John reports to Jesus that someone who is not a direct follower is driving out demons in Jesus’ name. Jesus assures St. John and the others, “For whoever is not against us is for us.” Since all belong to Christ it makes sense that what we do, we do it in Jesus’ name. Christian action is motivated by love of God and neighbor. Since we are baptized, we belong to Christ’s mystical body, we receive the Holy Spirit and we are called to act in the name of Jesus. While pondering the passion behind the recovery efforts in our region, I think about St. Matthew’s Gospel, “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mt. 25:40). You did it because you belong to Christ.

Instruments for good

Continuing the reflection on St. Mark Jesus lists the “parts of the body” which may be considered at times “causes” of sin: hand, foot, eye, etc. The maladies of sin are motivated by actions unaligned with God’s saving message of love. These acts are not done in the name of Jesus but rather in the name of selfishness. Jesus advises these appendages to be “cut off” to avoid sin and utter disconnect from the kingdom of God. What do I need to “cut off” in order to love as God has called me to love; as Jesus has shown me how to respond to God’s will; as the Holy Spirit drives me to live a life of virtue, to be an instrument of good because I belong to Christ?

The two become one (Gn 2:18-24, Mk. 10:2-16)

The 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time turns our hearts to Jesus’ teaching on the union of husband and wife. The foundation of this unity is given in Genesis as God looks for a “helper fit” for Adam, who is alone. No other creature, all named by Adam, is a compliment to God’s pinnacle of creatures, the human. Thus, God places Adam in a deep sleep and “from the rib which the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man.” Adam’s response is “At last, someone like me.” The two become one in relationship with God: a state of original holiness and original justice. “If we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us” (1 Jn 4:12). Hence, rooted in God’s love, husband and wife love one another as God loves and brings to perfection their life of sacrifice and blessing; the sacramental bond of joy filled with grace to live together for God. Their life gives life for the building of the kingdom of God. The two become one and they belong to Christ.  

Saints along the path

During this time we remember several well-known saints who witnessed life in Christ. Between Sept. 24 and Oct. 3, we celebrate:  St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael the Archangels, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Jerome, St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Memorial of the Guardian Angels, St. Francis of Assisi and the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. Offer some time to reflect on each of these saints and memorials, all of whom offer guidance on virtues. These saints, same as us, belong to Christ. 

Year of St. Joseph

Virtuous St. Joseph, faithful to God’s call, pray for us who strive for virtue. Protect our marriages, those engaged to be married and those who minister to them. Help us all to be instruments for good and in all that we do, we do in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Dow is the director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Diocese of Baton Rouge.