And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. Romans 13:11-14 (NIV)~
“Today the individual has become the highest form . . . The smallest wound or pain of the ego is examined under a microscope as if it were of eternal importance. The artist considers his isolation, his subjectivity, his individualism almost holy. Thus we finally gather in one large pen, where we stand and bleat about our loneliness without listening to each other and without realizing that we are smothering each other to death. The individualists stare into each other’s eyes and yet deny each other’s existence. We walk in circles, so limited by our own anxieties that we can no longer distinguish between true and false, between the gangster’s whim and the purest ideal.” Ingmar Bergman~
Two religions prevail in America today. Christianity provides community. Modernity imposes isolation.
I had occasion this week to peek at life in a small liturgical church whose traditions I’d not witnessed before. Beauty dwells in that place. A beauty different from the magnificence of grand cathedrals. Natural light pours through clear windows; from within, lit candles stand tall around the altar area and above on a chandelier.
The natural forms of light bring opportunity for contemplation and an appreciation for the preparation before we arrive. Someone lights all those candles. That’s not our usual way today as we expect modern amenities along with efficiency to accompany our worship.
And we expect comfort as well. At this church, while a few benches line the wall, most people stand. Families worship on their feet. Parents carry babes in backpacks or belly slings.
Older children stand, sometimes moving around to light a candle or use the bathroom. No special children’s program separates them. No clenched teeth shushes and admonitions to SIT STILL dampen their affinity for the place and the rites.
Mothers stand holding babies within themselves.
I remember an old British literary work (but I can’t remember which one) in which a character commented that Christianity was for old women and the vulgar.
Yet in this candlelit place, the ratio of men to women is pretty even. The age demographic is nowhere near old. This church is young and burgeoning with life.
As SCOTUS continues to ponder Dobbs and Roe, we see the contrast between an encouraging community and our outer society of atomized individualists walking in circles and denying each other’s existence.
Even to the point of denying each other’s right to exist.
“Abortion long ago became a natural symbol for the loss of a spiritual center. Not divine law, but individual will is the measure, and rejecting the child within the body becomes its expression. Challenging Roe v. Wade is not a matter of standing in judgment against women, but of changing a culture of death.” Glenn Arbery~
By example, the young men and women in this small community of faith challenge this culture of death. As they accept the children they bear, as they take Communion, they renounce modernity’s cry for me, myself, and I.
“Abortion is the Antichrist’s demonic parody of the Eucharist. That is why it uses the same holy words, ‘This is my body,’ with the blasphemously opposite meaning.” – Dr. Peter Kreeft~
This small church is not an ideal community. There aren’t any. God doesn’t expect any church to be perfect, just humble.
There is a way to overcome the darkness of atomization and present the light of Christ’s community to the world.
Such a way begins in small communities loving each other and shining light to the rest.
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)~
Be humble. Amen.
Yes, Melissa. That’s a challenge for most of us. Thanks and God bless!
I continue to be amazed that a culture that constantly talks about – and overuses – the word “community” also worships at the altar of individuality to the exclusion of all else. And it doesn’t appear that those who do so see a contradiction!
Or they don’t want to see it. Thanks, Ava. God bless!
Sounds like a very lovely place. I pray all our churches become such humble and holy abodes.
Amen. Thanks and God bless, Yvonne!
Nancy, this is beautiful. Church, as the body of Christ, is a humble and holy place and should (naturally, organically) be loving, comforting, welcoming and nurturing, a place where we can all come and be together, united in Christ. Amen to this.
Thank you, Jessica. That is what church (Church) should be. God bless!
What a beautiful experience you had, Nancy. I appreciate this statement: “ There is a way to overcome the darkness of atomization and present the light of Christ’s community to the world.”
Thank you, Jeannie, and God bless!
I think during the pandemic we had ample opportunity to live isolated, alone, and “individual.” Now that people are getting together again, we seem to be rediscovering the joys of community. And the Holy Spirit at work in a humble and loving Christian community is what often draws others into the family of God.
The Holy Spirit at work does draw people into the Church. It’s up to us to invite Him to work in us. Thanks and God bless!
Exaltation of self is a reflection of our time in the last days.
It seems so. Yet it’s up to us to show light in the darkness at the point in history we inhabit. Thanks, Barbara, and God bless!
The modern world of isolation has created a world of depression, anxiety, and self harm. Working in a high school in a state with the second highest suicide rate per capita I saw this first hand. It is heartbreaking. I would sit in my office and pray hoping in some way it made a difference.
Thank you for your courage to work in a place so much in need of light today, Jennifer. God bless you in your prayers and efforts!
The more people reject their identity and value as God’s unique and beloved creation, the more they seek to pridefully promote their own individuality at the expense of others. Humble submission to God is indeed the antidote. Thank you, Nancy.
Looking to Him instead of ourselves is truly the antidote to the darkness around us. Thank you, Annie. God bless!
Both humility and a steadfast ear on the Lord’s leading in our work and our interactions must be observed and made clear in this time of upheaval. #faith #obey #trustGod
So true, Melinda. Thanks and God bless!
Wow! Powerfully written with jaw-dropping quotes of truth. We do live in an age of “cultural death.” And let the life of Christ within the believers change that 🙏🏻
Amen, Lisa. Thanks and God bless!
I would love to visit that church!
Visiting was wonderful, warm, and welcoming. Thanks, Linda, and God bless!
Be humble and share His Light and Love. A wonderful reminder that it starts with one and grows into a community and spreads from there. We all have have a part in sharing the Light of Jesus with others.
We must each do our part. Thank you, Katherine. God bless!
Wonderful post Ms. Nancy. Truth is something that has become more rare with each day. Thank you for shining the light of truth into my world today ma’am.
Thank you, JD. Truth is something we must pursue with vigor every day. God bless!
Wow, Nancy, what a unique description of this church community. Forgoing modern conveniences to be comfortable to worship. When my husband pastored he used to say, “You won’t find a perfect church, because when you get there, it will be imperfect since all people are.”
No church is perfect, but many are joyful in their reliance and trust in God. Thanks, Karen. God bless!