This Sunday the readings set before us have an overarching theme of ministry. First is Jesus' understanding of his ministry, articulated at its beginning when he opens the scroll and finds the words, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.” This was a reference to the jubilee year, a year set aside once every five decades when land was returned to the poor and slaves were given back their freedom. This practice ensured that there was relative economic equality of both land and livelihood. This echoes the theme found in our passage from 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 where the apostle Paul affirms that we are all joined together as different types of people with many different gifts.
Working together for the good of all and when we do everyone benefits. How have you experienced that truth?