The whole equals the sum of its parts ...

Hennie Symington

We have many parts in the one body, and all these parts have different functions .In the same way, though we are many, we are one body in union with Christ, and we are all joined to each other as different parts of one body. Romans 12:4-5

When Jesus is asked to summarise what he believes he simply says: Love God with all your heart and your neighbour as yourself. That is what our faith is al about: personal relationships, not only with God but with others. This summary of the commandments covers the whole spectrum of relationships one is confronted with in our daily dealings with people.

What does this mean for Christians? Our country is once more at the crossroads of history where those who don’t have resent the 'haves', and the 'haves' feel threatened by the growing poverty surrounding them. Our job is to mend these relationships. We need to spend time with other Christians not only on Sundays when we pray together as the body of Christ, but also as citizens of the world we live in. And just as each limb in a body is dependent on another, in the same way we are part of the body of Christ. By being part of the body each one of us forms an indispensable link in the fabric that makes up our communities. We cannot stand idly by while our brothers and sisters in Christ suffer.

As the body of Christ our voice must be heard in our own society where justice and mercy are denied. We have to pull together to make our world a better place. Where there’s poverty we need to lend a helping hand; where division and hatred flourish, we need to bring peace. Where ignorance reigns we need to roll up our sleeves and share our skills. You don’t have to go far to find a place to bring relief; the need is all around you – on our city streets, in the suburbs, in our townships – everywhere. We are Christ’s hands and feet in a world that has become blind and deaf to the cries of those who suffer. Let us work to make the kingdom of God a reality by becoming his hands and feet in the world.

Prayer: Forgive us Father, when we deny our unity in the body of Christ. Make us aware of the needs of others.