Reflection text
This week’s service was prepared by brothers and sisters from Canada.
Commentary on John 2, 18-19 by Origen
« What sign have you to show us for doing this ? » Jesus answered them : « Destroy this temple and in three days l will raise it up. » Because « you are the body of Christ and individually members of it », even if the framework of the stones of the Temple seems to be breaking apart and coming to bits and if, as it is written in Psalm 21/22, all the bones of Christ seem to be dispersed through persecution and oppression […], nevertheless the Temple will be raised up, the body will be resurrected on the third day, after Good Friday […]
Just as the visible body of Jesus had been crucified, buried, and, then, resurrected, so the whole body of the saints of Christ has been crucified with Christ and no longer lives. […]
When this real and more perfect resurrection of the Body of Christ has taken place, then the members of Christ who, if we compare them with what they must become, are only actually dry bones, will be reunited, bone to bone, joint to joint ; for any of those who lack a joint will not be made part of this perfect man, according to the full measure of the Body of Christ.
So though there many members, they only comprise one body, since all the members of the body despite their vast number will become one body. […] And then, far more than at present, he will accord more honour to the inferior part, « so that there may be no discord in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another » and if one suffers, all suffer and if one is honoured, all rejoice together. »
ORIGENE, Commentaire sur l’évangile de Jean, II, Sources chrétiennes 157, Paris 1970, 521-525.
Intercessions
Numerous church leaders have reacted to the election of Pope Leo 14 in a very positive way. The Mennonites, for example, a few years from their 500th anniversary of foundation are hoping that this new pontificate “will open new doors for the healing of memories and stronger relationships as disciples of Christ”.
We bless you Lord for such exchanges which would have been unimaginable a hundred years ago. Holy Spirit, come and renew the pastors of your Church in their desire for communion.
In the hyper secular context of Quebec, the Canadian centre for ecumenism is an association which promotes mutual understanding between the Christian communities of Canada.
We bless you Lord for initiatives which promote the unity of Christians in Canada. Holy Spirit, in the hyper secularised context of Quebec, help us to live in unity in order to evangelise.
The student hostel of Montreal entrusted to the Chemin Neuf Community reflects this multicultural town with its 15 nationalities and 5 different Christian denominations.
We bless you Lord for this unique experience of unity and fraternity which these young people can experience during their years of study. Holy Spirit, as the one who loves unity in diversity, be the one who draws us together !