2025/01/26 SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

- Jeremy Kiolbassa, Director of Liturgy & Music

Many Parts, One Body: Paul’s Message of Unity in a Divided Nation

“If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy.”

In 1 Corinthians 12:12-30, Paul writes about the body of Christ as a metaphor for the church and emphasizes unity in diversity. He likens the church to a human body in which each member plays a unique and vital role. Whether the hand, foot, eye, or ear, each is important; each has a role to play. This message of connectedness and interdependence reminds us that every person has a valuable role to play. Unity of the body (the church) comes from honoring and respecting that diversity.

As I read this passage, I can’t help but draw parallels to our current political climate. Division by ideology seems to be a part of nearly every part of life these days. Everywhere I turn, especially online, and most especially on social media, notions of “us versus them” seems to dominate the discourse. I even catch myself ‘hate scrolling’ through the posts of distant acquaintances. It’s almost always someone that I barely know, perhaps a “mutual friend” or someone I met once years ago. It starts with a single post that doesn’t align with my worldview. With one click, I am now enmeshed in this person’s page, growing more and more angry with each post. In a sick way, this self-righteous anger feels good, especially when directed at a stranger through a screen. In a few short minutes I pass judgement, write them off, and perhaps even stoke division with a comment. This is exactly the kind of divisiveness against which Paul warns us. Just as he implores the Corinthians to see their unity in Christ despite their differences, we are called to recognize that every person—regardless of their political beliefs—is part of a larger whole. Our differences, rather than being a source of division, can become a source of strength when viewed through the lens of mutual respect and a shared commitment to the common good. 

My last few sentences might seem a bit altruistic and perhaps even naïve, especially in today's climate. In this time of deep political division, it is easy to become disillusioned. It is easy to feel as though the work of unity is too difficult or even impossible. Still, Paul’s message is clear: the body is incomplete without all its members. Each person if approached with humility and a willingness to listen, can bring unique perspectives that enrich the dialogue. True unity requires that we recognize the worth of every member, even if we have what feel like insurmountable differences. Like it or not, we are one body, one church, and this unity transcends any earthly divisions. 

Paul’s letter gives us hope. It also gives us a model for the difficult task ahead, being the healing the body of Christ in our church and world.