It Takes A Community

A reading for Wednesday, February 5, 2014: John 6:52-59

It takes a village to raise a child, and community to understand what faith in Christ is all about.

The Jews wondered if Jesus Christ was advocating cannibalism, the eating of flesh.  It certainly sounds like it even from the words of our Eucharist.  "Take and eat, this is my body."  Later the Romans would accuse early Christians of this very thing and would persecute them for it.  Again, without the explanation of the Christian community, it sounds like it.  Doesn't it?

Truth is, taking Christ's body and blood in is a reference to our sacred meal.  Even if we don't truly understand what is taking place and just how Christ is present in the meal, we proclaim together that Christ is present there.  But it's not literal, and it's perhaps more easily misunderstood than we realize.  

That's why its important to live our faith in community.  Where we can ask questions, seek understanding, and practice the sacred rituals of our faith with others we know and trust.  All are welcome to participate.

If I were truly alone on an island someplace or isolated from others, I would still believe in Christ as my Lord and Savior.  How wonderful it is though, since I am not, that I have a community in which to understand what faith in Christ is really all about.