Hi everyone,
Yesterday morning we celebrated the life of my best friend’s mother. She had passed away about 2 weeks ago and we all knew it was coming. She was sick for a while and had all the ups and downs as you would expect. Still, we mourned.
We heard stories of her life. We heard stories of her influence. We heard stories of her faith.
Some of us got together last night after all the family events were over, and we talked more. We spent time together. We supported each other through loss, grief, and pain.
And we did it together. We, as a group of friends, a small community of different people of different walks, a part of the body of Christ. Together.
She will be missed for sure, and we will mourn for quite some time. But we will still do that together, as she lives in our memories, our hearts, and in our relationships, together.
Here are next week’s readings:
Isaiah 55:1-9
Psalm 63:1-8
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Luke 13:1-9
Sometimes, together doesn’t mean that we can accomplish anything and everything. Sometimes, together can also mean failure and loss. Sometimes, together can mean brokenness and pain. Sometimes, together can mean mourning and sadness.
But together, we can also stand. Together we can support each other and be supported. Together we live in love, faith, and community.
Together the Israelites travelled through the wilderness, faced hardship, and ultimately saw the hand of God at work. Together the gardener and the fig tree will produce fruit. Together we stand with all who are hurting in the world, especially the victims of violence in New Zealand. Together we are declared children of God, saved and redeemed, invited and welcomed, loved and forgiven.
Together we are the body of Christ.
Peace be with all the families of those affected by the senseless violence in Christchurch, New Zealand.