“Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot were to say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body’, that would not make it any less a part of the body.” 1 Cor 12:13-15
During this time of physical distancing, one of the signs of God’s holy presence is the realization of how much we depend on one another, how much we need one another, and cannot truly live without one another. Over time, culture has ingrained in our psyche that we must “go at it alone” embody the “tough American individualism” or “every person for themselves.” Yet, it is a false illusion. In times like these, if we live that individualistic creed, we often find ourselves clinging to the sides of a small boat, tossed about in the dark during a raging storm. Perhaps that is why our statement of faith found in the Nicene Creed begins and is filled with “We believe” rather than “I believe.”
We. Believe. Our belief in the strength of the Body of Christ. Many parts joined together, and you are part of that body. Together, we are made whole.
I suspect that in our prayers, many of us are recalling those sacred moments of the body joined together. The smiles when we greet one another after a time apart. The stirring in our hearts when we hear the spoken word of God: “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.” The feeling of joy when we look into one another’s eyes and share of the peace. The strength of being joined together as a community through the broken body of Christ. The exchange of compassion in sharing a story and the embrace that heals.
Oh, that deep, deep longing for uniting once again on a Sunday that God has promised for us.
At this moment in the story of the church, these sacred connections are now so apparent, and these holy longings for oneness will only lead to stronger life-giving relationships in the future. Don’t all those petty arguments we sometimes find in the church seem trivial in comparison to our desire to be together once again?
I find it uplifting and hopeful that God’s mysterious and holy presence is uniting us through prayer. At different times, throughout the world, from different locations and with different voices, we are strengthening the body. Yes, it is a bit different, but it is beautiful, and we are of one spirit.
I invite you to read the lesson from Morning Prayer: 1 Corinthians 12:12-26. Reflect on how our temporary separation can bring long-lasting unity. Contemplate how our common prayers will unfold into a new way of living as the body of Christ. God is creating something new. Let us hold one another’s brokenness and separation and then embody our unity through love.
We are one body, and at its center is the heart. Hearts connected to the heart of Christ, hearts connected to one another. This is the Church. This is the Body of Christ. Holy longings and sacred connections. We cannot live without God, and we cannot live without one another.
Apologies, I do not have the name of the photographer.