In this time of pandemic, we are coming to understand at a deeper level that we are still the church even though we are not in the church building. We are realizing now more than ever that while it is great to have our building as a meeting space, it is actually optional. We are the church together wherever we find ourselves. Even though we are dispersed, we still have a mission. Or perhaps it is better to say that God still has a mission and calls us to walk in this way. What is it?
Joining the Mission of God
Jesus said that you are the light of the world. Yes, he meant you! What does it meant to be light? As the prayer of St. Francis puts it so well, we first have to see where the struggles are in the world, and bring light to those places. Wherever there is hatred, we bring love. Wherever there is injury, we bring pardon. Where there is doubt, we bring faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sadness, joy. In other words, we are called to be the church in whatever place we find ourselves.
The Source of Our Strength
But where do we find the strength to do all these things? It might be that we are struggling ourselves. How do we find the strength to run the race to the end? We have to turn to that which is eternal, that which is permanent. Jesus said, “If you seek me, you will find me.” God in Christ is a rock on which we can lean and draw strength. When we walk with him and with each other in faith, we will find the strength to be the church.
We are the church because Christ binds us together and empowers us to participate in God’s work. This is a hard time, but we will get through it together. I feel that the Spirit of God is blowing and doing great things in the midst of this. Keep the faith. God’s love never fails.
