“Attitude!” Recently, in line at a fast-casual place, I heard a teenager having their parent say to them just this: “Attitude!” The teen obviously knew what mom meant when the teen stood up a bit more and rolled her eyes. Then, more parent-teen nonverbal signs!

This word and phrases around it in the first reading remind us, before joining in the ancient hymn Philippians captures, that we are to grow in a communion of likeness with our head, Christ. We each must strive eagerly (as said in 1 Corinthians 12) to empty ourselves in love for the other so that we merge ourselves together in the Body of Christ. This is hard with so many different attitudes or directions in which we all feel drawn.

With Jesus giving a new “beatitude” in the Gospel, we realize our call and unique position as Eucharistic disciples to choose to dine together and build toward the heavenly banquet. So many turn away from the invitation to join in Sunday Mass and grow in the same manner to create harmony in the Body of Christ. It doesn’t mean we give up trying and inviting others with “an attitude“ toward God and the Church. On this USA Election Day, no matter what our political persuasion, we follow up with one another to extend chances to join together and grow for the common good. We are about oneness in Christ, heaven builders.

Prayer

O God, we hope to be your people, born of justice and goodness, guiding your Church in mission and service. May we grow in a spirit of oneness so that, pursuing your reign, we may always dine together at your table and unite heaven and earth through Christ our Lord.