United We Stand

A Reflection on the Second Reading for Sunday, January 25, 2026:
​Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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1 Corinthians
1.10-13, 17-18


I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose.

For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. What I mean is that each of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.”

Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the Gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom so that the Cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power.

For the message about the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

​Pause. Pray. Reflect.

Our greatness lies not in our individuality, but in our striving to embody the very love Christ showed us, by serving one another and by carrying our cross. Our greatness also comes from the humility of reaching out for help when we cannot find the strength to stand on our own.
These are some of the many truths that I know, but cannot hold for long periods of time. You see, I search for opportunities to strike back at those who have struck me. I am impatient with the ones I am called to care for. I despise those who are oblivious to my pain. I rage at those who have fallen short of leading me.
But look at how these same brothers and sisters, whom I wish to divide myself from, are also the very ones who pray for me.
Give me more of your heart, Jesus, so that I may lead in love. When I am offended, grant me the grace to forgive immediately and to receive each offense as an opportunity for humility, because to be humble is to draw closer to You.




Vanessa Noujaim

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