Belonging Together: some thoughts on church as body

Somehow summer disappeared, and all I seem to have to show for it are a few papers and way too many library books from my summer studies. I suspect we've all had very different season than we could have ever anticipated. Back when it was still warm, I would often walk past these collaged artwork in Trinity Bellwoods Park (respectfully distancing, I promise!) It gave me pause, and seemed to be a vivid depiction of what it means to be Christ’s body - rich with idiosyncrasies, a varied, sometimes messy assemblage of people, brought together in Him. As we have been able to start gathering together again as a church, it has been such a privilege, but has also come with challenges as we seek to live together in this new reality.

When Paul reflects in the body in 1 Corinthians 12, he talks about its diversity of members, of mutual honouring and serving, suffering and rejoicing. These days I’ve had to remind myself of the importance of unity among the body. And this oneness comes from the same Spirit who gives us God’s ‘manifold gifts’ (1 Peter 4.10). I’ve also been impressed by the significance of unity in Jesus’ prayer, ‘that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me’ (John 17.21). Somehow our unity is a participation in that of the Father and Son, and a sign to the world that the Father has sent Jesus. I’m not sure I take this seriously enough, but I’m thankful that the same One who issues the call has given us the means.

I hope wherever this finds you, that physical distancing has not meant social distancing. That you are given opportunities for togetherness, and fresh reminders of God’s drawing to Himself and to one another, across distances and differences.