Paul speaks about the different gifts that the Spirit can grant to us. Those gifts are necessary for us to function as the Body of Christ. We are all called to bring those gifts to the community for the community’s benefit. But some of these gifts are subtle and sublime and have more to them than meets the eye. St Therese of Lisieux was a cloistered Carmelite nun who lived her whole life in the same region of rural France. Even though she physically never went to a faraway land as a missionary, she is one of the patron saints of the missions, for the fervor of charity she possessed in her heart and in her faith is that charity that embraces all of our Church’s missionary activity. The Second Vatican Council also reminded us that even though all of the faithful are not called to give their lives as martyrs of the faith, we are all called to that level of holiness and tenacity in living out our faith that will allow that person to become a martyr when faced with that ultimate decision. And even though certain members of our community are called to consecrate their lives through ordination as a priest or deacon or to enter a religious community, we are all called to embrace the values that make chastity, obedience, and poverty aspects of our lives of faith. Each of us is only one member of the Christ in our gifts and in our functions. Our Church is very rich in its diversity. The love of Christ validates, animates, and unifies the Church’s many members. May we appreciate and glory in being part of that one Body.
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