this week

From Sacred Space:

This period between the Resurrection and Pentecost is marked in the Gospels by a strong sense of community. When Mary Magdalene found the stone had been moved from the tomb, she went running to tell Simon Peter and the others. When Cleopas and his companion met Jesus on the road to Emmaus, they hurried back to Jerusalem to tell the Eleven. The disciples show their need for one another, from the evening of the Last Supper to the thunderous revelation of Pentecost. Though individuals are mentioned, such as Mary Magdalene and Thomas, they feel incomplete as individuals. They are joint witnesses to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, and they realise their companionship when they share their memories: Were not our hearts burning within us as he talked to us on the road?

This raises issues for us, who live in a culture that encourages us to operate simply as individuals. When we get sick, we quickly discover that we were not made to survive as individuals. Now in prayer I ask: Where is my community? Who shares my life? Do I ever share my faith with anyone? If I have nobody, then maybe I should look around to fill that gap. Am I more likely to share my reactions to TV programmes, sport or politics than to talk to others about deeper issues? For that, I need community.