Gifts of the Spirit- reflections of I Corinthians 12:1-11

Most of this week we have heard the devastating news concerning the earthquake in Haiti and with it comes a certain sense of helplessness. Yet the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake has much in common with this scripture about gifts, connections and community, and together these give us multi-layered possibilities to ponder. They loom large, both as part of our human condition and as metaphor for our spiritual connections. Spirituality is a currently a commercially “hot” topic. If you browse in the New Age section at Barnes and Noble, or look in the religion and self help sections at River’s End, you see that a lot of words have been written about spirituality. And typically, when asked, more people say they are spiritual than will say they are religious. And because of this heightened identification with spirituality, movies like Avatar, receive a lot of attention. (Has anyone else seen the movie?)  I offer this short synopsis: select people of earth, after years of preparation and training are psycho-transmuted into another world where they interact with a society that is completely interconnected, both psychologically and   physically, to one another and to all other living things in their society through the sacred powers of the ancient life source, a tree of life. In this binding together with the power and ageless wisdom of the Spirit of Life, individuals are rejuvenated, and the entire community is strengthened. Yet this is hardly a new revelation, for Paul, convert and apostle, nearly two thousand years ago writes of how through our interconnectedness with God and our worshipping communities we grow spiritually.

Now whether or not Paul’s first letter was a reply to some query from the congregation at Corinth, the focus of spiritual things was problematic for them. And, I would add, is still problematic for us. Paul brought the message of God's great life power and wisdom to the ancient city of Corinth where he established a congregation of believers. Now Corinth was no backwoods outpost full of yokels. Archeological excavations have revealed ruins of what was once a bustling commercial and entertainment center, the “Big Apple” of the ancient world. Travelers from all over the Mediterranean world found their way to Corinth, as ships from far and wide docked in the nearby harbors. It was a global center, full of every enticement in the known world. And the city had that mixture of people found in every metropolitan area; there were businessmen and beggars, artisans and courtesans. Corinth displayed a considerable amount of affluence and sophistication. Not only could the city boast of its impressive architecture and marvelous array of statues, but evidently the Corinthians had acquired a taste for religious mysteries, philosophical intricacies, and masterful orators.

Paul was one of many who tried to capture the attention of the Corinthians. Yet his methods were to teach and preach and live his life as to set an example. He stayed with them for a while and then moved onward to evangelize elsewhere. He kept his spiritual connections with the congregation by writing letters. In this first letter to the congregation at Corinth, Paul writes to the congregation with hymn-like prose that celebrates Christian community as “the body of Christ.” Healthy bodies and communities alike reveal and celebrate diversity of gifts, talents, and perspectives given by God’s Holy Spirit: the same Spirit inspires varieties of gifts, services, and activities. According to Paul, God’s spirit moves through every person in the community; there are none without gifts. If you confess that Jesus is Lord, then the Holy Spirit dwells in you. And all of the faithful receive the variety of gifts that will be needed to sustain and strengthen the entire community. These are not just charismatic gifts, like preaching or teaching, but the very practical and ordinary gifts for community living. But receiving the gifts is not enough; they are not solely ours. They are only of value when you engage your gifts and use them for the benefit of all, for the common good of the body of Christ. Therefore, as a community we must discern and utilize each others gifts. 

Being the body of Christ on earth conveys both complexity and unity. We come into the body of Christ as individuals, through baptism, and we come out changed, as a member of a community. And to belong means one must participate. For each of the baptized is more than our own self; we are in relationship with God and with the community of faith. And we strengthen that relationship by coming together to worship, to work together, not only for this particular congregation, but for the good of the greater congregations throughout the body of Christ.

And we are now presented with a splendid opportunity to rally our faith for the greater community: our brothers and sisters in Haiti have suffered the desolation of destruction. Haiti is both the newest and the largest diocese in the Episcopal Church, though our mission work there is very old. Holy Trinity, the Episcopal cathedral, the bishop's residence, the convent of the Sisters of St. Margaret, the residential school for the handicapped, at least one other school and several church buildings were all destroyed by the earthquake. The sisters themselves all survived. Through grace, the church in Haiti is spiritually strong, and deeply engaged in the healing for which there was already such a great need in that country. This close family tie is a godsend in this terrible moment, as it makes it easier for us all to help.

I’m sure you’ve been praying for the people of Haiti since Tuesday. Continue to do so. Having known some of the Haitian sisters who had extended stays at St. Margaret’s House in New Hartford, I rejoiced and said prayers of thanksgiving when news of their safety came through on Friday. Yet, they are surrounded with overwhelming need. Episcopal Relief and Development forces were on the scene almost immediately.  And they are in need of reinforcement in all guises. Medical supplies, food and water, blankets, soap and clothing are needed now. The Bishops of Providence II, our providence, which includes Haiti, have pledged to help. I would ask you to make an addition response, for we share each other’s lives in good times and in bad.  Any gift that is given in sincere love of Christ is never too small.

Gifts for Haiti should be sent in check form either made out to Resurrection with a note on the check stating Haiti relief or you may send them directly to our diocesan officer for Episcopal Relief and Development at the following address:

Episcopal Relief & Development

c/o St. Alban's Episcopal Church

1308 Meadowbrook Drive

Syracuse, NY 13224-1718