From today’s Scripture: “We should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole Body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, with the proper functioning of each part, brings about the Body’s growth and builds itself up in love.” — Ephesians 4:15-16

Growing up in Kenya, many families were what we would consider today a big family — an average of six children or even more. Growing up on the farm, with no machinery to till the land, the bigger the family, the more work on the land was possible to provide produce.

I recall every morning going to till the land with the rest of my family in preparation for the planting season. We each took a part of the piece of land to be tilled. Each had to provide their part in labor by completing their tasks. Each strove to build a common goal and to contribute to the common good. This taught me a sense of purpose in life, teamwork, and the fact that my existence was not only contingent on others but that my choices also made a difference.

God has given us gifts and our part of the land to till, so we can provide for the common good. That might just be a simple thing, such as a gift of presence you offer someone today or working a third job to provide for your family. Either way, we all have a part in the Kingdom, which we now call building the human family.

Let us pray: Grant, we pray, that constantly seeking evangelical perfection, [we] may add to the holiness of your Church and increase her apostolic zeal. Amen.

Today’s author is Father Kenn Wandera, who is currently in doctoral studies at the University of Dayton.

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