Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
In the first reading today, we hear, “Today is holy to the LORD your God. Do not be sad, and do not weep… Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for today is holy to our LORD. Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!”
We are all part of the body of Christ. St. Paul says in our second reading, “Now you are Christ’s body and individually parts of it. Some people God has designated in the church to be, first, apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then, mighty deeds; then gifts of healing, assistance, administration, and varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work mighty deeds? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?”
This helps us to remember that we have a special bond with Christ. He made us in His own image and likeness knowing our faults, good deeds, everything!
When I took the Clinical Pastoral Education course this past semester, I told my peer group that I have a hard time giving myself credit where credit is due. One of my supervisors said to me, “Brother what you need to do is simple, you need to step up to step aside. Step up to do God’s will and give yourself the credit, then step aside so that you can give the credit back to God so that He can work in you.”
Let me ask you, can you step up to step aside? Do you take work too seriously and think, “I have to get stuff done now?,” or are you the opposite and think, “I can’t do this?” Rejoice! You are a part of the body of Christ. Step up and step aside, and remember there are many parts to the body of Christ. Have a friend to help you and always remember, “Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!”
Reflection by Br. Maximilian Burkhart, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections