October 11th, 2013 Commentary on Henri Nouwen's Daily Meditation

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Daily-Meditation--Knowing-One-Another-in-Christ.html?soid=1011221485028&aid=l3RmQliz02Y

In case the above link to Henri Nouwen’s Daily Meditation doesn’t work:

Friday October 11, 2013 

Knowing One Another in Christ

Often we think that we first have to know and understand one another before we gather around the Eucharistic table.  Although it is good if those who share in the Body and Blood of Christ know one another personally, coming together regularly for the Eucharist can create a spiritual unity that goes far beyond the various levels of "knowing one another" in human ways.   As we enter together into the sacred mysteries of the death and resurrection of Jesus by participating in the Eucharist, we gradually become one body.  We truly come to know one another in Christ.

My Commentary:

One of the things I have a great desire to continually, spiritually grow in is in writing worship that truthfully reflects the “why” over the “how” of worship. You can have a lean cuisine of Orthodox rubrics that have no content or are merely going through the motions…  OR you can have a full banquet—many guests, plenty to share! From serving, writing and leading worship for previously St. Philips and The Gathering for Christ; helping people to break away from the world and connect deeply is an ongoing personal goal for my future pastoral ministry.  There would be moments in leading the “Renewal” services at St. Philips where I would ask for everyone to put their bulletins down and LISTEN.  Listen to God speaking His Word through this service where we are gathered as family.  Connect with God not the piece of paper in your hands, or your worries, not your cell phone or day calendar… 

Part of the “Why” we gather in worship, the Eucharist or Bible study is for relationship to God and one another.  Relationship as the Body of Christ in this world to which we are vessels of GRACE…  Relationship in true loving fellowship: we are disciples!  We are disciples first over members, congregants, parishioners, etc.  We are the family of Christ—priesthood of all believers.  We are all called to witness and graciously respond through loving God and neighbor as a part of the covenant of GRACE. As the Body, we live in a culture of GRACE.  This is a culture motivated in speaking the truth in loving service to one another as well as partaking in the manna of GRACE—Christ Jesus himself!  Our hearts in sync recall: Christ Jesus defeated sin, death and the devil upon the cross.  A cross we must carry if we are to be salt and light in the world for the sake of the Kingdom—glory of the Gospel.

God Bless Your Fridays!

Nicole Collins