I have shared here previously that Elise and I moved back to Pennsylvania from Illinois recently. Pictures here in this post may give you a glimpse of what motivated us to live in this area of the United States. Beauty, small town living, and the rekindling of old friendships. All played a part in us making the decision to move.
However, it has not been without compromise. The main one being a separation from the community we were part of in Illinois. We were founding members of our church. Corpus Christi in Carol Stream. We had many wonderful relationships there over the span of some 35 years. I was in the choir and was a lector. I was able to “pop” on down the street 5 minutes to get to Mass or just to engage in whatever event was happening. It was home.
We also belonged to a synagogue that was 30 minutes away. Compared to over an hour where we live now. We joined the congregation in 1988 and made many, many wonderful relationships there. While I obviously had differences in theology and faith practice with the rabbis we had at Congregation Etz Chaim, we always treated each other with respect and understanding.
Our faith community relationships here in Pennsylvania are developing. We have a wonderful parish in St Michaels in Canton, Pa. There is a great opportunity for fellowship time after each Mass on Sunday where we are able to get to know fellow parishioners and build new friendships. I will be lectoring for the first time next month. VERY excited about that. And our synagogue in Williamsport is small but it meant that relationships formed quickly. The president of the congregation has been so extremely welcoming from the get go. Like most faith communities in the US, attendance is shrinking so new members are unusual. In fact, when I called inquiring about membership a couple years ago, he thought I had dialed a wrong number.
Today’s Gospel contains probably the most familiar Biblical verse of all. John 3:16.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might not perish
but might have eternal life.
One commentator on this verse stressed that this verse should not be used to admonish non-believers but instead act as encouragement for believers. That everyone who believes in Jesus, in what He did for us on the cross, can be assured of eternal life with Him. And what is belief? Belief is trust. An assurance that the person you are placing belief in, will follow through. Will be there in support and provide us with what was promised.
And how do we build this trust? Well, as the old saying goes, the proof is in the pudding. Meaning that it is that someone DOES is the best way of predicting what they will do. And how do we get this knowledge? Through RELATIONSHIP. Regular interactions with those around us. And I think this is what Elise and I are experiencing during the short time since we have made the move here to Pennsylvania. The transition from faith filled, and secular, friendships that came easy after 35 years in one place, while trying to build that same, or similar, network here. After all, we are meant for community. Regardless of the size of that community.
And our relationship, and trust, in Christ is built through contact with Him. Through Scripture, through Sacraments, through Prayer time and Adoration. And in that sharing community we develop and become a part of.
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20)
