Catholic Unity in Christ
A Reflection for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time by Brent Smith
Director of Adult Faith Formation & Evangelization
Disunity and estrangement within family life is a source of disappointment and pain for many. In the 1970s, my father’s three older siblings fled Illinois for warmer weather and new opportunities. Although the decisions were done out of goodwill and in a spirit of hopeful discovery, a literal rift appeared among parents and their children, brothers among sisters. While occasional phone calls are blessings and Christmas cards good cheer, family relations are often strained or non-existent at worst.
Within Christianity, division among its members appeared almost immediately. In his first letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul acknowledges the disease of rivalry within the first century Church. Paul and other apostles are merely evangelists, not a substitute or idol in place of Jesus Christ. Writing in the third person, he states, “Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Cor 1:13). He goes on to say remembrance of Jesus’ crucifixion is not empty of meaning. Since Jesus’ death was the perfect sacrifice to bring about our eternal redemption, His cross is good news for everyone.
In the Gospel of Matthew, news of John the Baptist’s arrest reaches Jesus. He responds by gaining some much-needed distance apart from King Herod, then sets to work gathering disciples. Upon welcoming the brothers Peter and Andrew, Jesus comes upon another pair of siblings; James & John decisively join the movement as well. While all four men leave their families behind, only one parent is considered – Zebedee, whose name means “the gift of the Lord.” A rift, if only temporarily, in those families was certainly necessary, but Jesus called those fishermen’s sons to assist in the ministry of atonement.
Jesus would offer his own life for the redemption of humanity, but he continually needs men and women to volunteer themselves for evangelization – sharing with others the good news of Catholic unity in Christ. Everyone who accepts this invitation will experience persecution, often in the form of familial and social division; in other words, some relationships with suffer while others will flourish. We all have decisions to make, so be sure to make them with help from the wisdom of Scripture and the counsel of trusted friends.
Please pray with me: Heavenly Father, we place into your hands those who attempt to ruin the Catholic Church. Renew the conviction of our priests in their efforts to extend the Eucharistic love & mercy of Jesus Christ. Awaken within each of us the essential work of understanding & sharing the beliefs & traditions of our Faith. Amen.