Life among the believers

Acts 2:43-47

Life among the Believers

 Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

This picture of the early church seems so far removed from the experience of Christian communities today. No mention of persecution. No mention of trials and difficulties. Clearly a tool for propaganda or written at considerable distance with very short memories. I am struggling to preach this text this week. I give thanks for the privilege of the role I have serving this Christian community in this place at this time and for the sense of being a part of something that transcends  our limited concepts of space and time. I cling on to the hope we have in the God of life and eternity. But it is hard to find the excitement portrayed in this snapshot when so many folk are suffering and when faith is stretched to the limit. How do we preach these words to the bereaved and the hurting - especially when these words don't ring true even for the community they describe? Perhaps this is a more accurate description of "Life among the believers" today. It is for this community.

Gathered together again

mourning the loss of a loved one

Gathered together again

Bearing the pain

Sharing the burden

Stumbling over words of faith

that we believe

but nonetheless find hard to articulate.

Gathered together again

bringing food

and offers of help

with practical things

like child care

or grocery shopping

car maintenance

or transport.

Gathered together again

allowing space to vent

and repeat the stories

and the memories

and the events

that preceded loss.

Gathered together again

to comfort

and encourage

to embrace

and include.

Gathered together again

breaking bread

and hoping

that in the broken pieces

we will know

the presence of God

broken with us

in the midst

of our community 

broken and hurting together.

Gathered together again

clinging to hope

praying for courage

feeling the love.