The Christian Conscience

... one another ...

I had the pleasure to attend the seventh annual In the Father's Footsteps, Catholic Men's Conference of Oklahoma on March 1st. It was a pleasure to attend and to see so many men (well over 500) on fire for the Lord. The second talk of the day was Steven Ruda, a captain in the Los Angeles Fire Department. His talk was entitled Finding God in Tragedy. So, where might we find God in those circumstances? Mr. Ruda would say that we find it in each other. He touched on a very interesting point, and one I had never made myself. Just check how many times the New Testament tells us to act with "one another"... why? Because we are all the Body of Christ, our Christian lives are based on a community.

So, let us look at some of these "one anothers"....

1. John 13:14 - If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.
2. John 15:12 - This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
3. Romans 12:10 - ... love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor.
4. Romans 12:16 - Live in harmony with one another...
5. Romans 14:13 - ... let us no more pass judgment on one another ...
6. Romans 15:5 - ... live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus ...
7. Romans 15:7 - Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
8. Romans 15:14 - ... instruct one another.
9. Romans 16:16 - Greet one another with a holy kiss.
10. 2 Corinthians 13:11 - Mend your ways, heed my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.

There are many more exhortations, made by Paul, James, Peter and John to the same extent, enough to write a few blog entries on. However, shouldn't this suffice? Do we follow this advice, passed down by the Apostles themselves? How are we to find Christ in one another, if we don't make Him available in these very ways ourselves?