We are one body in union with Christ

October 7th was World Communion Sunday, which originated in the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1940 as a global, interdenominational event prompted by the impact of World War II. It reminds us of Paul's many references to our being one body in union with Christ. In his first letter to the Corinthians he states in chapter 12 verses 12 and 13, "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit."

Even though our churches are different in our approach to worship, our understanding of scripture and our adherence to ritual and tradition, we are the body of Christ. When we work together in ministry, when we promote each other's programs, we are strengthening the body of Christ.

Whatever any of us do in ministry in our community, give God the glory. As Jesus said in Luke 17:10, "...when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, "We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!" Give God the glory and get back to work.

As Paul sumarized in I Cor 12:27, "Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it."

Father God, Jesus prayed that we might be one – one in spirit, in mission and in communion with each other. Give us eyes to see you in Christians everywhere. Give us a mind to accept and celebrate our differences. Give us a heart big enough to love your children everywhere. Amen.