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12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues ? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. (1 Corinthians 12: 12-31s NRSV)
Dear Friend, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus be with you and yours. I pray that in all things you will be a great blessing to God and God's people. I pray that our time together will bless us with grace and strength. I pray that it will make us wise and bold to share the love of God; we have the world to win for our Lord Jesus. May that be our prayer. May we also pray for those who may be in harm's way in the coming winter storm to this area and other areas. Share old, unused coats with agencies that could pass them on to those who need it; same for blankets and other items that help keep people warm. As we pray today, please continue to pray for baby Karson, and add the name of Mrs. Donna Hisey as on Wednesday she undergoes total knee replacement. Pray for a successful surgery that God guide the hands of the surgeon and all who attend to her; prayers for her husband, Dr. Commie Hisey as well. And pray for the needs you've been facing.
Imagine being in such love for Jesus that you see Him and His purpose in all things. You could walk into a museum of medical studies and as you see the various part of the body, He shares with you the idea that we just read: We are one body. Nellie and I were blessed to walk in that museum of antiquities in Corinth and see the display that perhaps the Apostle Paul walked through in his day and God spoke to him and he had the idea that he shared with us, that being a believer makes us one with Christ and one with each other in our work and purpose of ministry. Let us examine what Paul saw and heard and how we can make it a part of who we are and what we do.
This epiphany season allows us to encounter the revelation of the Church as the body of Christ. Just as the Magi’s journey led them to discover Jesus, we too are called to a deeper understanding of Christ’s body, the Church, and our place within it. The Church is not a collection of individual, isolated believers, but a unified body with many members, each designed to function together in harmony for the glory of God.
Paul’s metaphor of the body highlights the necessity of unity in diversity. The human body is made up of many different parts—hands, feet, eyes, ears—and each part has a unique role. But none of them can function in isolation. The body only works when each part works together. The same is true for the Church. Every member has a role to play, and all are necessary, no matter how small or unnoticeable their role may seem. There are no "lesser" members in the body of Christ—each person is a vital part of the whole.
This teaching is especially profound in the context of the Epiphany season, which celebrates the revelation of Christ to the world. As the light of Christ shone forth to the nations, it also reveals to us the essential truth that we, as a community of believers, are each called to contribute to the whole. Christ's body on earth—the Church—is a visible witness to His love, justice, and grace in the world.
When one member suffers, we all suffer together. When one is honored, we all rejoice. This mutual care and interconnectedness reflect the very love of Christ, who gave Himself for us all. Each member, whether they are seen or unseen, celebrated or unnoticed, is an essential part of God’s plan to bring healing and transformation to the world.
This Epiphany, may we see more clearly our place in the body of Christ and the profound interconnectedness we share with one another. As we reflect on the revelation of Christ’s body, the Church, we are reminded that our calling is not to self-centeredness, but to a selfless commitment to one another. We are meant to honor the gifts of others, recognizing that we are all part of the same body. There is no room for division or rivalry; only cooperation, mutual care, and a commitment to unity.
In a world that often emphasizes individuality and competition, the Church stands as a powerful witness to the beauty of diverse, yet unified, community. As you consider your role in the body of Christ, reflect on how you can support, encourage, and uplift the other members of the Church, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their role or status, is valued and cared for.
PRAYER: Loving God, We thank You for the gift of Your Church, the body of Christ. Thank You for revealing to us that we are all members of one body, and each of us has a unique and vital role to play. Help us to honor one another, to care for each other, and to work together in unity for Your kingdom. Teach us to celebrate the diversity within the body and to understand that every part is necessary. May we reflect Your love in how we serve and support one another, and may the world see in us a glimpse of Your grace and mercy. This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Reflect on your own unique gifts and role within the body of Christ. How can you use your talents to serve others and contribute to the health of the Church? Reach out to someone in your church community—whether they are struggling or rejoicing—and offer encouragement, support, or a word of affirmation.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
