Among the Members of Your Son

“Through the power of your Spirit of love include us now and for ever among the members of your Son, whose body and blood we share.” It’s a line from the Eucharistic Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions. And a somewhat awkward turn of phrase. When I talk about myself as a member, I’m usually talking about being a part of an organization, not a person. The members of a person are … body parts. Are we praying to be Jesus’ body parts? Well, yes. It’s a reference back to the writings of St Paul, who refers to the community as the body of Christ in pretty graphic terms. Eyes and hands and feet. So when we talk about membership in the church, we’re talking about something far deeper than joining the Rotary Club. So  as you’re thinking over renewal of membership this month keep that in mind. Our parishes need hands and feet and ears and fingers and …

-Fr Lou