Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 9, 2020
If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. 1 Corinthians 12:26
“We’re all in this together.” Over the past few weeks, it’s a slogan that we’ve seen in countless places. It is a sign of global solidarity in the midst of remarkable turmoil, fear, and confusion. There is not a single person on earth that will be untouched by this crisis, either directly or indirectly. And while the sentiment is powerful, we must acknowledge the weight of this crisis is not distributed equally.
We are not all in this in the same way. While some wait it out in the comfort of their homes with plenty of savings to buffer the immediate financial loss, others who have missed even a single shift at work find themselves profoundly vulnerable in ways that were unimaginable just days before. Likewise, some complete their duties from the comfort of a living room or home office, while others, such as our medical professionals, expose themselves to disease and sickness while working 15+ hour days, day after day with no end in sight.
While we may all be in this together, you and I must each discern what faithfulness looks like in our immediate context. For some of you, your primary call right now is the protection and safe-keeping of your children and most vulnerable family members, including yourself. This is a holy and noble calling and should be celebrated by all. For others, you might be blessed with an abundance of financial resources, and it is a season to remember that our Lord calls you to give your life away for the sake of others, and this gift of self includes your time, talent, and your treasure.
In all of this I am reminded of the ancient wisdom of St. Benedict, who sought to create communities of faith in which “the strong have something to strive for and the weak have nothing to hide from.” Some of you today may be feeling strong and able to rise to this moment with courage and selfless love. The church and world needs you to do so right now! Your strength is our joy and great comfort. Yet others of you find yourself crushed by financial burden and crippling anxiety. Your need is not a source of shame but is to be shared and burdened by all, especially the family of faith. As St. Paul reminds us, “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26).
Let us walk forward in solidarity with one another and faith in the goodness of our loving God.
Prayer
Father, where we are in need, meet us with your loving care, and where we are strong, give us courage to reach out in your name and in your love. Amen.
Application
What does faithfulness look like for you in this present moment?
Related Reading
Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:14; 1 Peter 4:7-11
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Your need is not a source of shame but is to be shared and burdened by all, especially the family of faith. #bettertogether #wisdomhunters #truth #Jesus
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