In the last few days the Lutheran Family in New Jersey gathered in Long Branch on the shore. This annual meeting is officially called the NJ Synod Assembly, but it is first and foremost a family gathering. Our Lutheran family is spread out all over New Jersey (some 170 congregations of us), and the extended Lutheran family reaches across North America and around the world.
Like most family gatherings (think Thanksgiving, reunions, etc.), the room is filled with a mixture of joys, griefs, excitement and tensions. We come together to tell the stories of what has happened since last we met, to listen and sing and pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit, and to share the joys and sorrows that are part of our life together. Most of all, it is a time to remember that we are not alone in God's mission; that we have sisters and brothers in Christ who have also heard God's call to proclaim good news, to serve all people following Jesus' example, and to work for justice and peace.
I am glad for good news aimed directly at me - The Body of Christ given for you (for me!); the Blood of Christ shed for you (for me!). But I am even happier not to be alone at the altar rail as I hear those powerful words. I hear those words spoken to the ones on my left and on my right. The gift of God's grace comes through the community of faith to us all. The pronouns change. With the whole Church we confess our faith. Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit let us pray boldly in the words Jesus taught us. We are the people of God, the family of God, the community of faith, the church - together. Our life together is filled with a mixture of joys, griefs, excitement and tensions, but it is always life together...and that is a blessing from God.
Holy God, you have called us into your family and given us to one another as sisters and brothers in Christ. We are blessed to be together. Now help us to be a blessing for the sake of the whole human family. We pray thankful to be one in your Spirit, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Contributed by Bishop Riley
Monday June 8, 2015
Liturgical Year B: Week 28
Liturgical Color: Green
Sunday Gospel reading: Proper05
Second Sunday after Pentecost