We are one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:25)

Our faith teaches us that we share intrinsic likeness with one another. God made us in his divine image; and shows absolute sensitivity to our needs and experiences, which is evident in the sharing of our lives by Jesus Christ (Phil. 2:7). In the same manner, we are to share in each other’s life, expressing how much we care. We are not alone in this world seeking our goals exclusively, rather, we are connected to one another in so many ways that our choices have the potential to affect another person directly or indirectly. Consider as an example how deep the life of a family is affected by the indiscriminate use of drugs and alcohol by the husband and father as his responsibility to his family is impaired. Though insensitive to the damage his choices have on his family, they are not immune from the reality.

We are connected with one another in ways that we often do not imagine. It is therefore necessary that the good things I wish for myself, I also allow another person the freedom to seek. In a relationship, we don’t only pursue our needs, but that we equally remain attentive to the needs and goals of the other person. This is because many people today are hurting by our insensitivity. Driven by our desire to meet our selfish needs could crush and treat with contempt the needs of others thereby creating unhealthy living conditions in their lives.

This is a central message in the Book of the Prophet Amos that we heard at liturgy this past Sunday. Amos reminds us that our self-centered goals have the potential to create poverty, and unpleasant and harmful living conditions in the lives of others (Amos 8:4,6). Famished and sick, Lazarus was dying in pain and misery at the door of the insensitive rich man who didn’t notice a helpless Lazarus (Luke 16:20-21). There are many people today who are hurting because of our actions that neglect to carry them along. There are many people who are emotionally wounded by our insensitivity to their needs: many of these people are our spouses, children and loved ones. We cannot continue to look the other way when we can instead spread cheer.

Love one another as you love yourself (Luke 10:27) is an invitation to treat each other as we wish to be treated. It is an invitation to support another person’s self-development and growth as we seek to grow and develop ourselves. In these grim times that have dug both physical and emotional holes in the lives of many people, there are so many ways we can show support and sensitivity to the conditions of others: a word of encouragement can go a long way to renew hope; time spent listening to those who are hurting can reenergize their spirit; holding someone’s hand and reassuring them that they are not fighting alone can restore strength and confidence. During these critical times in so many peoples’ lives, let’s remember Jesus’ words that whatever good we do for someone, we do it for him (Matt. 25: 31-46). We are committed at the National Shrine of St. Jude to accompany one another to experience God’s loving presence every day of our lives. Let us stand with one another for the good of all.

Father Ferdinand Okorie, C.M.F.
National Shrine of St. Jude
Chicago, Illinois