"Nothing Insignificant": Reflection for Sunday, January 24, 2010; 3rd Sunday in Ordinary TIme

Scripture Readings for Today, the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Nehemiah 8: 2-10; 1 Corinthians 12: 12-30; Luke 1: 1-4; 4: 14-21 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab.

Nothing Insignificant

Many of us have probably experienced the way that some small, almost insignificant, event or action can become very significant and have a noticeable effect.
A small thread continues to unravel and suddenly the garment has a large hole; a small ache begins in one’s foot or knee and one’s exercise routine is gone; one unexpected smile brightens the day while one harsh word can create a chain reaction of responses. In fact this thought reminds me of the children's classic Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No-Good, Very Bad Day!

Scientists have, in fact, shown what God’s Word today so vividly reminds us: nothing is insignificant; life is a whole (1 Corinthians).

Whether we are referring to one's body or to the human family, one part affects another part.
Truly, our lives affect others in ways that we may never know.

God’s Word challenges us to recognize the value of life by the way that we live- or at least try to live (Nehemiah; Luke), showing that we believe in God and in our connection with each other.

To think about: Do I consider some people as insignificant or “less than” because of physical, financial or occupational conditions?
Do I give my time, talent, or treasure to help the body of the human family, God’s Family?
Do I try to push myself forward while ignoring others?
Do I care for myself and others as the Body of Christ?(Corinthians)

To do: Notice and thank someone who serves you in life’s everyday routine.
Call or visit someone who is ill, lonely or unable to participate in activities.
Listen attentively to someone you might usually ignore.
Thank someone who volunteers in a service that helps others in the community.
Move “out of the box” and speak to someone younger or older than you.
Say “Amen” to who you are: the Body of Christ!

To pray: “We are many parts, we are all one body.”(Corinthians)

Next week: 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Jeremiah 1:4-19; 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13; Luke 4: 21-30