The Transfer of the Holy Relics of the First-martyr and Archdeacon Stephen (5th c.)
Dormition Fast.
1 Corinthians 12:12-26; Matthew 18:18-22; 19:1-2, 13-15
Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-26
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Today we are given to contemplate the image of the Body of Christ. St. Paul received this image from Jesus himself on the road to Damascus: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4). Notice that our Lord did not say, why do you persecute my disciples? From this moment onwards St. Paul is made aware that all believers have a union with Jesus Christ and that every person united to Jesus shares a union with all others united to Christ; consequently, showing forth the Body of Christ. This vision is Divinely given. St. Paul is divinely gifted the mystical vision to see that unity in love, which knows no boundaries or limits, and which nothing can break—not even death.
It is through the Lord Jesus that we are all united to each other. We all need each other and each member has a contribution to make to the whole. St. John Chrysostom reframes it in this way: “The greater gifts cannot do without the lesser ones, because if even the lesser ones are harmed, the body will not function properly. What is lower than the foot? Or what is more honourable or necessary than the head? But the head, however important it is, is not self-sufficient, nor can it do everything by itself. If that were so, there would be no need to have feet.” (Homilies on the Epistles of St. Paul to the Corinthians 31.1). If our parish priest, the head of the parish community, has a great idea to further the mission of the Church, but no parishioner is willing to assist to make this vision a reality, there will be no movement in furthering the Gospel in that community. Everyone is called to work together. Even something as simple as faithfully attending Sunday and feast day Divine Liturgy can bring a great encouragement to the rest of the Body of Christ. Not only do we bring the blessing to others by being filled by Christ’s blessing ourselves, but through our uplifted prayer, which is strengthened by numbers, and our zeal and faithfulness, we become a holy example to others. We all have a role as members of the Body of Christ. We depend on and support each other in a unity of love in Christ Jesus for the glory of God and His Kingdom.