44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts...' Acts 2: 44-46
Relationship and interdependence are built into the Christian life. The way of Jesus is a call to radical community and and an orientation to the common good. The witness of the early church was that they gathered not out of obligation but because community was life giving. Fullness of life was found in fellowship and community.
To be together in Christ was a wonderful thing, their was a generousity of heart towards each other and in particular towards those who were vulnerable in their society like the widows. There was an understanding that the body of Christ, the church, was wonderfully varied, just as the parts of the human body are. And every part understood was significant, and interdependent working with the other parts towards the goals of seeing the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth breaking through to bring human flourishing.
We find example of our interdependence in nature. We see this as we watch bee's draw nectar from a flower and pollinating. Or as seeds are carried and dispersed in the wind. And on a larger scale the patterns and cycles of our weather systems that trigger changes over great portions of land and sea.
So today let's remember that we are truly stronger together as part of healthy community that values both weakness and strength, and cultivates generousity and love.
Lent Prayer
Father God, help us to value our interdependence and remember the goal of this life is not to be independent of others or you. But to grow in love for you and others. Help us to cultivate the gifts You have given us and generously share those gifts for the common good of Your creation. Help us to share our vulnerabilities and allow others to be Your strength to us. Help us to share our strength and be Your encouragement and blessing to others. Thank You that all things are possible in Christ Jesus. Amen.
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good._
1 Corinthians 12:7