If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it

“Indeed, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are all more necessary, and those parts of the body that we consider less honorable we surround with greater honor, and our less presentable parts are treated with greater propriety, whereas our more presentable parts do not need this. But God has so constructed the body as to give greater honor to a part that is without it, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the parts may have the same concern for one another. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy.” – 1 Corinthians 12:22-26

I’ve often read the verses in scripture about many parts and one body; the song was even one of my favorites growing up in Mass. However, I don’t remember ever reading the verses above that are part of the full passage, and there is so much more here. While Paul is referring to the body of the church, they strike me today as they relate to my own physical body. I’ve had my share of medical issues this year, and last week I received a new diagnosis. Essentially, my blood pressure is dropping which is causing a slew of issues for my body, including dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and rapid/shallow breathing. When it happens, it is forcing my heart to work harder and my brain to not get enough oxygen. While it’s a new diagnosis, it has impacted me my entire life, but more notably in the last year. When one part of the body is struggling, it effects all the parts. When one suffers, all suffer. And the weaker parts are all the more necessary. It’s taken me some time this week to process what this means for my life today and in the future – the precautions and adjustments I have to take now and the long-term impact to my heart and brain down the road. It’s no surprise my anxiety spiked, but I have taken it to prayer and done my best to place it the hands of Jesus. All I can focus on is improving the health I have now and taking care of my body’s weakest part.

While my first pass of the reading hit me literally, the heart of this passage focuses on the church and our strength in operating together. It emphasizes how we all bring unique gifts and are only as strong as our weakest member. We must work together – to evangelize but also to help each other get to heaven. To love one another. It reminded me of a short reel I watched on Facebook yesterday where a young girl was reminding people to, “Be a burden.” Be a burden to your family and friends when you are suffering. Reach out! Do not suffer alone but voice your struggles and identify where you need help. It is something I struggle with often because I simply don’t want to burden others, as everyone already carries so much. This simple video was a reminder to me that we are not a burden; the people who love us want to know what is going on so they can offer their support where possible. When I think about it, it sounds so simple, because of course I would want my loved ones to reach out to me if the roles were reversed. But in reality, admitting weakness is hard. It is hard to tell others I don’t have it all together and need their help or prayers. Yet, when I do it, it has only ever been met with love and grace. When we lean on each other, we become a stronger body.

As I pondered the reading deeper, it reminded me of some wisdom shared by a priest in his homily last week at Mass. He shared we each have a unique identity that can only be found in God. Our gifts and paths are unique, and we must draw close to Him for wisdom, for it cannot be found elsewhere. We are uniquely His. He encouraged us to reflect on our sins, and then asked a simple question: “What is going on in your life that is causing all of this sin?” That line struck me – what is causing my sins? Mostly, I felt I was just overwhelmed and taking it out on others around me. He encouraged us to draw closer to the scriptures, Mass, and the sacraments, for that is where wisdom lies. He stated it is where God comes to meet us. We look for Him in many places, but not usually the right places. He meets us in scripture, Mass, Adoration, Confession, etc. That resonated. And as I prayed in the pew, more wisdom came to me: I was struggling with these sins mostly because I wasn’t sure of my identity or vocation. For the past year or two, I had discerned various vocations, but I still wasn’t sure where I was called. What was my purpose? It had been a hard year, and I plowed through much of it alone. What role did I play in the body? I am still not sure, but I have peace knowing I do play a part, one He specifically carved for me. One where I would use the talents He provided me to strengthen the church. He has a function for me; I have a function. I pray He continues to reveal it over time and wisdom to know where He is calling to strengthen the body, for when one part is honored, all the parts share its joy.

Reflect again on the reading above. What areas of the church do you believe are suffering and need support? What unique talents do you have to contribute to the body? Where are you suffering and need support? Lord, as we ponder over these questions, we pray for wisdom. Wisdom to reveal our unique talents to know where we are called – in our churches, in our families, in our vocations, and in our communities. Give us the courage to extend our gifts to help those in need and strengthen the body of Christ. We pray for endurance through our own suffering and that we never be afraid to ask for help. Jesus, strengthen your church so that we may bring more people to know your glory. Amen.