Christ has no body now but yours

Chuck Witschorik, Council Secretary

Over the past few months at CGS we have shared a particular song as part of our offertory reflection. The piece, "Christ Has No Body Now But Yours," features a beautiful melody paired with the lyrics of a celebrated poem by the sixteenth-century Spanish mystic Teresa of Avila. Here are the words of the text:

"Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours.
Yours are the eyes with which Christ sees,
Yours are the feet with which Christ walks,
Yours are the hands with which Christ blesses all the world."

Though this poem has always intrigued me, it caught my attention in a particular way this year in my roles as part of both the music ministry and church council. From my vantage point with the worship band on Sunday mornings, I have the privilege to share music alongside the other musicians and to witness our congregation come together in praise and thanksgiving each week. Every time we play this song, it moves me to actually witness the lyrics come alive as members of the congregation embrace one another in peace, share from the abundance God has blessed them with, and bring forward the shared gifts of the community. The tenderness of people's care for one another and their generosity in giving reminds me how Christ would serve and care for each of us.

As a member of council I have also had the opportunity to get to know more intimately the variety of ways in which our congregation reaches out in service to others. From shelter cooking, to food drives, to proclaiming God's radically inclusive love at San Jose Pride, and in so many more ways, the people of CGS truly embody the message of the poem. Each of us is unique, flawed and imperfect and yet also beautifully gifted and it is inspiring to witness how God brings us together and uses us as a community, as an embodiment of Christ's love.
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As the council discerns this fall how God is calling us to continue to walk in our mission, I take inspiration from the visible ways I can see God already at work among us. At the same time, I look forward with anticipation to witnessing the ways God will continue to move among us, equipping us for service. Building on the strong foundation of where God has brought us so far, we continue to listen for the Spirit's voice, calling us, strengthening us, and equipping us for both the ongoing means and the new opportunities we will have to share Christ's love in our midst, as the eyes, the feet, the hands, and the heart called to proclaim, welcome, and serve.
 

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