Paul’s letter to the Corinthians includes an appeal to contribute to a collection to the church in Jerusalem. We hear the introduction to that appeal in today’s reading. Paul praises the community’s generosity and concern for others. I think of how we are all interconnected parts of the Diocese of Jackson - the different parishes, programs, and ministries that all all interconnected together. I as a priest and we have a parish try to help out the different parishes and ministries in different ways. We try to reach out to the Catholic prisoners and college students and the patients at the state hospital. Our Catholic faith is not an isolated entity in our parish. We are called to see each other as brothers and sisters in Christ, and as such, we are called to be in union and solidarity with each other. Paul’s writings stress the connection that the communities had in the Early Church. It is easy to think only of our own needs at times and to downplay that unity we have. Certainly, it would be easier on me and our parish if I could devote all my time to our parish here and just focus on our faith community, but loving God and loving our neighbor are essential to our faith, and obedient to the Bishop and being loyal to our Diocese are essential as well. We are called to collaborate with our Catholic brothers and sister in Christ with charity and tenderness of heart. We should all feel joy in being a part of our universal Church.
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