A Family of Individuals

   We live in a very individualistic society.  Our own well-being is far too often the primary focus.  In a way, that is to be expected since we are taught over and over that we are individuals.  We are unique and therefore, the concerns others may be of no concern at all to us.

   In one sense we are certainly individuals.  God created each of us as one of His children with a plan in mind for each of us.  He knit us together in our mother’s womb, infused in us an eternal soul and brought us into this world.  From the beginning He knew us, He knew His plans for us.  Though individual, we are also His sons and daughters.  We are His family.

   When we take individualism too far we become distant from each other; we show little or no concern for anyone but ourselves.  It’s up to others to worry about their own situation and make the best of it.  That’s what successful individuals do in our society; they take care of self.

   But we are also to be family.  God created us as His sons and daughters, not a bunch of individuals focused only on self.  A family will fall apart if the members quit caring for each other and care only for themselves.  So too, the family of God can't flourish unless there is love and concern for all in the family.

   So be an individual, enjoy and be thankful for the special blessings God has given just to you.  Strive to develop the gifts He has given you.  To do less is to waste the gifts of God.  But also be family and care for others.  Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matt 25: 40).  When we refuse our brothers and sisters, we refuse the Lord.

Father help us be family.

Teach us humility and caring for others.

We are to be brothers and sisters.

Help us love one another.

Amen