What might you say in a homily after reading these materials? There are several concurrent themes in these readings, related to oneness with Christ, as well as the oneness of the Christian community. Being baptized in the name of Christ allows us to become part of the body of Christ. I would focus on this theme in a homily because of the importance of building community in a world that often seems woefully disconnected.

How does this reading speak to the doing of justice in a parish?

These readings speak directly to doing justice in and through a parish. Gorman (2015) focuses on embodying the principles of justice, which mean acting according to God’s will. According to Gorman (2015), the Bible consistently frames justice and right ethical behavior as a mandate, part of the covenant we have with God. Viewed in this way, justice is putting universal ethics into practice. We must speak our minds and call out injustice wherever we see it, in order to carry out God’s will. As a parish, we can work together to achieve larger ethical goals, which often seem insurmountable if we try to tackle them ourselves.

How are factions in our parishes today both similar and different...

The same challenges are evident in Paul’s writings, as he contended with an audience as diverse as we do today. The Corinthian Church was characterized as a body with many parts; this metaphor can be useful when applied to the diverse religious landscape of today. Yet there are also important lessons to be learned in trying to achieve an artificially united front. There can be greater power in diversity when different viewpoints are respected without being trampled upon. Compromises that lead to lose-lose outcomes are less fruitful than working together for win-win solutions.
What are parish staff called to personally in parish ministry according to Paul?

Parish staff are personally called to participate in the body of Christ. Each “body part” has a role to play. Not all people will be called to serve in the same role; we must acknowledge what the parish needs and then aim to match our unique gifts with those needs.

Are there structures parish staff could set up in a parish to heal any divisions and…