Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
The Community I Need
In the midst of the Covid outbreak, many churches went to video worship. I participated this way for several months, even after we went live. Soon I realized that I needed community.
Jesus must have felt the same need when he decided to visit the home of Lazarus and his sisters. The sisters reacted differently to Jesus’ presence. Martha thought about her duties as a good hostess, while Mary was intent upon hearing from Jesus, learning firsthand what he had shared with so many others.
When I talk about community, I mean the community that is strengthened through both worship and fellowship. I needed to raise my voice in song with others, pray the liturgies responsively, and hear the Word read and proclaimed. I also needed to be with others who, having heard God’s Word, would find ways to carry it into the world.
Mary and Martha both sought to minister to Jesus by using their gifts. When Martha asked Jesus to reprimand Mary for not helping her, she may have been surprised when he responded, “Mary has chosen the better way, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42). Rather than reprimanding her, perhaps Jesus was saying that we need to know God’s call before we can do God’s will.
Jesus frequently incorporated his message with the table. He ate with those considered sinners, and proclaimed all are welcome. He shared the Passover meal with his disciples to remind them of God’s promise of the Messiah. We can feel his presence as we gather around the table in Holy Communion, calling us to remember his sacrifice on our behalf.
Having been empowered by the Word, we come together in fellowship, to be made aware of the needs of the world, and to be strengthened to use our gifts to minister to those who need to hear and experience the Good News.
Yes, I needed community, and I think you do as well.
Jane Harberg, retired pastor
Lake Mills, Wisconsin