To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.
A certain amount of our American pride centers on our diversity. The variety of cultural influences is manifested in food, clothing, the arts, holiday customs, and religious practice. This diversity, which we often take for granted, does not come without a struggle. Every wave of immigration brings an economic, political and religious culture clash. The struggle eventually bears fruit and produces a society which is more reflective of God, in whose image and likeness we are made.
In today’s second reading, St. Paul reflects upon the varied gifts which are bestowed upon humanity. These gifts, he says, are manifestations of God’s Spirit and are given for a benefit. He says that it is “one and the same Spirit producing all of these gifts, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes.” The benefit that we receive from these diverse gifts, therefore, is a greater awareness of who God is, in and through each other. We are interdependent, and without these gifts manifested in others, we are deprived of some aspect of God’s presence in our lives.
This week our nation honors the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the icon of the civil rights movement. During a speech delivered at The National Cathedral, Washington, D.C., on March 31, 1968, Dr. King stated:
“In a real sense, all life is inter-related. All persons are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. And you can never be what you ought to be until I am what I ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.”
Some say that the division we are experiencing in our country between citizens, as well as our attitude toward immigrants, is the worst it has been in our nation’s history. I don’t know if that is the case. In our country we have endured civil war and violent intolerance toward integration and human rights. Our ancestors experienced the hardships and rejections typical of immigrants. Throughout history our political leaders made divisive decisions which led to economic hardships and unpopular military conflicts. We can rightly say we have been here before, however, there are a few differences.
First and foremost, the breakdown in the practice of faith is a notable difference for the time in which we live. Societies that are devoid of any religious influence, atheism itself and a morality based upon subjectivity rather than natural law are fertile ground for divisiveness. One only needs to look to the history of atheistic dictatorships and the totalitarian systems of government of Communism, Fascism and Nazism to see the results of an extreme lack of religious faith. It is, therefore, the role of we who are religious and claim ourselves as disciples, to not subscribe to the attitudes and practices of self-centeredness and even nationalism (very different from patriotism.) We are called to live, therefore, as those who recognize the same Spirit in our brothers and sisters and seek unity and not victory through division.
A second characteristic of the unique divisiveness of our time is the power we have to communicate in massive and devastating ways. Today a child no longer is faced with a “playground bully,” but a bully that has the power to amass an army of hateful commentary through social media and other Internet forums. Furthermore, that child is not even protected within the walls of his or her own home but rather suffers the bombardment of evil coming at them through phones and other devices, often unbeknownst to parents. Those same behaviors are brought into adulthood, and all kinds of media are used to vilify public figures, a neighbor or an entire population. These powerful means of communication are being used in a way that no common bully could ever have imagined. Yet we know that we are called to be bearers of the Good News of Jesus Christ. We must, therefore, reject this power to communicate if we are using it to destroy, no matter how justified we may think we are.
As we honor the memory of Dr. King, we pray for reconciliation and a healing of all division in our families, communities, nation and the world. May we come to appreciate more fully the varied gifts God has bestowed on his people. And may our recognition of the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in others deepen.
SANCTITY OF LIFE – Once again our parish will formally participate in the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of the Unborn with a Holy Hour for Life with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 1:00 pm in church on Wednesday, January 22. A public recitation of the Rosary for Life on the Merrick Road sidewalk will take place following the Holy Hour. Our daily masses at 7:30 am, 9:00 am and 7:30 pm will include prayers for life.
WEEKEND OF ACTION – Throughout this weekend, we will be accepting donations of baby goods, such as winter clothing for boys and girls, NB-4T, including coats, hats, gloves, socks, unopened toiletries and crib sheets (please only new or like-new items), for which The Life Center of LI has a current urgent need. Tables will be set up by the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph Altars or drop off at the rectory.
Peace,
