FRIENDS and SERVANTS of the WORD
JANUARY 22, 2023
Third SUNDAY of Ordinary Time
WORD of the DAY
I mean that each of
you is saying,
“I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,”
or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.”
Is Christ divided? (1 Cor 1: 12)
How shall I live this Word? 
This text helps us not to differentiate ourselves with arrogance from others for our personal way of living the faith. Unfortunately, in society and in the Church, there are always conflicts that can lead to divisions. But if this is on a social level, it is also in us when we believe that our path is the best; it is unique and better but only and exclusively for us. It is this aspect that we sometimes forget when we internally compare ourselves to others by inadvertently putting ourselves above them. We are all on the way towards a single goal, union with God in Jesus, even if the paths are considerably different and sometimes opposite. Jesus Himself invites us to avoid certain comparisons and St. John brings it back to us in his Gospel in chapter 21: “Jesus answered him,” If I want him to stay until I come, what does it matter to you? You follow me.” It is precisely on this aspect that we must focus our attention: to follow Him according to His grace and placing the utmost commitment to what is reported, again in the Gospel of St. John, in chapter 13: “I give you a new commandment: that you love one another. As I have loved you, so you also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Lord, help me welcome and love everyone in You without separating myself from those You love.
The Voice of Pope Francis Ecumenical Discourse 17 January 2022
Let us remember that we are journeying not as possessors, but as seekers of God. Therefore, we must go forward with humble patience and always together, to support each other, because this is what Christ desires.
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E-mail: srmterzo@gmail.com Website: www.sanbiagio.org info@sanbiagio.org Blog: livingscripture.wordpress.com Comment by Claudio Del Brocco
