If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.
This follows Paul’s comparison of the human body with the body of Christ. The eye is no more important than the big toe. Following this analogy, if one part of the body suffers, all suffers. Ever had a tooth ache? Although the pain is in the tooth, it feels like it’s throughout the body.
This is true also with God’s people, although we don’t act like it. If one person suffers, we all suffer. I do feel the suffering of others, although to make it through my day, I frequently close my eyes to the suffering; I haven’t watched the news for months as there’s too much suffering. We all need to feel the suffering of each other, and do what we can, in our little ways. If we all felt that suffering, and tried to alleviate it, that would be a lot of suffering removed.
While I’m all about God’s children, this section of Corinthians is also about the institution of God’s church, or the gathered people of faith. Not all faith communities look or act or function the same, and none are less important.
This morning, I’m thinking about the suffering of various church institutions, and how we all suffer when that happens. Whether it’s the ongoing struggle of the Roman Catholic Church and abuse, or the implosion of Mars Hill or Hillsong, when these people – these churches – suffer, we all suffer. Think about the faithful worshippers whose worlds are shattered. Think about the faith leaders who have given their lives to the institution. Think about the faith leaders who fall. There by the Grace of God go I. No part of the body is better than any other part. All are worthy, and all have a part to play. All churches are comprised of faithful, fallible mortals.
Today, I pray for the suffering of the faithful whose institutions and leaders have let them down. And I pray for the leaders who are suffering.
No comments:
Post a Comment