Lent JourneySample

DAY 18
A new community

There is now an affinity between God and I that is much closer than the one that began between my parents and I through birth. For Jesus, the new affinity is the communion of the saints.

It is a new covenant relationship between others who follow Him and myself.

There is an Arabic saying: ‘Blood is thicker than milk’, which means that the bond between those who are joined together by blood (covenant) is considered to be stronger than the bond of those who share their mother’s milk.

The community of faith is maintained by Him and revolves around Him. It is important to Him and therefore to all who follow Him. His followers are now living life together. We pray together, celebrate changes in our lives together, and share the joy, pain and fears. We work together to do his work. Yes, it may disrupt my life as it did John’s. I have been relocated.
The word for the community of faith is ekklesia, which means ‘out of’ and kaleõ, which means ‘called’. I am called out of my normal way of life just like someone who comes across an accident. My own needs must take a backseat so that I can help others. My life is suddenly, unexpectedly derailed and there are now other priorities.

EXERCISE
In your prayer time today:
• Become aware of the community of faith and the people who share your life.
• What does the community of faith ask of you?
• What must you give?
• What/who must you receive and take in?
• Talk to God about this.