The first devotional in the Top Nineteen of 2019 comes from the FAITH series. This series was originally published in the early Fall and ran for four weeks. At the end of each week of the series, I offered suggestions on how to apply the focal topic to living out our everyday lives.
Being Faithful: Communing
STEP ONE: BREATHE
Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.
STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD
“So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.”
— Galatians 6:9-10
I used to think that the word 'communion' was reserved for the sanctuary. After all, it is one of the many terms that we use to describe the sacrament of the altar. Holy Communion remains a critical experience in the faith life of Christians worldwide. It is a coming together of believers to share in the risen life of Christ. Through the Lord's Supper, we receive God's gifts of forgiveness, grace, and love. We also find ourselves connected into a community of the baptized. Through communion, we find strength and nurture for our faith, both individual and corporate. Communing is part of being faithful.
It is also true that we can and should use the word 'communing' outside of the authorized sacred places. Communing happens, or not, whenever we are working to build community with others. When we practice our faith, sharing God's grace, we "re-present" Jesus. This witness, in turn, creates and deepens relationships. It makes possible restoration as folks come together and share life (and faith, too.)
We live in a broken world. Many people, ourselves included, are hurting. We suffer from a variety of separations. Alone, we feel anxious, inferior, vulnerable, and afraid. All these emotions spark a defensiveness that works against us. Instead of seeking relationships with others, we push them away through the construction of barriers.
We think these metaphorical walls will keep us safe. They do the opposite. They further separate us from our neighbors and make us more isolated. It is a devilish cycle that escalates quickly. Our ramparts rise rapidly. Over time, our efforts entomb us in fear, inaction, and self-centered living. There is a theological word to describe this condition; we call it 'sin.'
Communing beyond the sanctuary table is the process of breaking down the barriers that separate us from others. It involves intentional living that recognizes the people and the rest of the creation that surrounds us. It asks the Mister Rodgers' question, "who are the people in my neighborhood?" And it seeks to answer it in a personal way.
Communing requires listening to the stories of others to learn a little more about what makes them tick. Kindness and compassion are implicit in this work as we put their needs before our own. Understanding the struggles of others, we will discover ways that we can help. Over time, relationships will expand and deepen through our conscientious efforts.
It won't be easy. We aren't the only ones with walls and barriers constructed by fear and insecurity. Sometimes others will reject even the best of our intentions. We might have to overcome suspicion and prejudice. It will take the courage of our convictions and the strength of our faith to hang in there. Our interactions might make us want to give up and walk away.
Just as our trips to the Communion Table are not 'one and done,' so too are efforts to build community. We need to stay with it and work for the long haul. As Eugene Peterson aptly described the life of discipleship, it is a long obedience in the same direction. Heading in the way of Jesus, we love, forgive, include, encourage, care, and attend to the needs of others. This path, though at times smooth and easy, can be rough, rocky, and seemingly impassable.
Thankfully, we don't need to travel alone. In addition to those who God has placed around us, we have the ever near presence of God. The spirit of the risen Christ is our companion. Christ lives in, with, before, behind, above, and under us. Being faithful is about recognizing this presence, celebrating it, and responding to it.
STEP THREE: RESPOND IN PRAYER
Gracious God, I thank you for creating me and all people. Help me to relate to others in the same way that you connect to me with love, grace, kindness, and forgiveness. Give me the courage and strength to pull down the walls that separate and build bridges of vibrant relationships. Through Jesus, amen.