Love Reflected in Community

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” From John 13:31-35

It’s a busy time of year. If you know anyone graduating or have school-aged children with end-of-year activities, I suspect your calendar looks a lot like Christmas! It is both joyful and busy. Amidst that pace though, I hope you can take a few moments, step back, and appreciate what all of that represents. Life in community; the laboratory for love in action.

We heard from four of our graduating high school seniors who gave reflections in church this past Sunday. Each had a beautiful and unique perspective on how they’ve been formed by the community of St. Mark’s. And just as the community formed them, they have formed us as well. The efficiency of God’s love in community reminds us that we love and are loved when we show up for one another.

And we aren’t done yet! This Sunday we formally acknowledge those in our community who are seeking confirmation, reaffirmation, and reception in the Episcopal church. We formally welcome a new baby through baptism into life in this community of love. Our Bishop, The Rt. Reverend. Dr. David Read will be with us as well, so please join us for breakfast at 9:15 followed by our celebratory worship at 10:30. Additionally, we will give thanks and recognize our Sunday School Teachers, Youth Volunteers, and Nursery Staff who support and love our children and youth. During worship we will recognize those choristers who are progressing in their formation through our choral programs as well! It will be a full and wonderful day!

Years ago, I heard a spiritual writer, Joyce Rupp, say she stopped talking about her calendar being crammed or overly busy. Instead, she said she started describing it as abundant. I loved that and when we imagine how many in our world suffer from loneliness or alienation, it is a good reminder to shift our focus toward gratitude.

It doesn’t mean we don’t need to be discerning about our time. Sometimes a holy no is the difference between freneticism and real presence. I’d like to show up to my life with gratitude and with thanksgiving for all the ways in which our communities show love, and I hope that St. Mark’s is one of those communities for you. Join us this Sunday as we continue the feast!

Peace, Beth +