Community: Tuesday
We don’t do church alone because God isn’t alone. God is community and invites us into community. God chose a family to bless and save the whole world through Abraham. No one person could do it alone. The Christian story, and all of the stories of scripture, are about a people. Our story is one of families and of communities.
– Br. Luke Ditewig, SSJE
Way of Love: Daily Practice
Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches.” Who is your community?
Share your experience in the comments below
Community is not only about physical proximity. That seems to be hard for some to accept. One “community” I am part of has members from all over our home province. We are community because of a common belief, shared values and a willingness to come together “virtually” each week to share ideas. I might not ever be in the same physical space as all of the members at the same time, but we are a community.
This time of the worldwide pandemic has highlighted the importance to me of several communities of which I am a part. We have developed ways to grow in those communities despite our lack of physical presence with one another. The church is one such community. Thanks be to God.
Sharing this with all those in isolation today:
We don’t do church alone because God isn’t alone. God is community and invites us into community. God chose a family to bless and save the whole world through Abraham. No one person could do it alone. The Christian story, and all of the stories of scripture, are about a people. Our story is one of families and of communities.
– Br. Luke Ditewig
This is a particularly poignant time for reflection on Community. Not only are we nearing the Passion of the Lord, when the community that so joyfully greeted him on his entry into Jerusalem then abandoned and even turned on him as the week unfolded, but we find ourselves in unsought isolation from one another. May we continue to reach out, in the ways that are open to us, to our sisters and brothers, and to cherish the gift of time for growing intimacy with God. In all things, give thanks!
Community is so important now especially since we can’t gather together. Still when I pray morning prayer I feel that there is some one out there joining me in the prayers. When we gather around our little screen and watch Sunday morning prayers with our priest l see the names pop up and smile . In a strange way I feel more connected as our other faith communities are doing the same. We are one in the spirit.
How wonderful, comforting, affirming and essential this video and conversation was to hear –particularly during these earth shaking times. So lovely to listen and learn more of the authentic essence of the brothers- and an inspiration in my pilgrimage– currently in NY area/the epicenter of covid-19…. I miss ssje and so comforting to ‘ be’ with the brothers as I continue to learn who I am, becoming and who God wants me to be. Like peeling away at the layers of the onion…. Thank you Brothers for being YOU in the world….