I was reminded this week about the need and joy of spiritual companionship!
One of my inspired colleagues asked if anyone wanted to join a weekly study group for preachers where we talk about the upcoming readings and pray together. I was incredibly excited because I have never had a group like this before, and I liked the people who signed up. Such a valuable thing to hear other voices, other experiences, other struggles in relation to the readings. It can never just be about me and my point of view.
We really do need each other. Christianity is a communal experience. We are part of a Body, the Body of Christ. And as St. Paul so beautifully said, we cannot be a body part separate from the body. Once a body part is separated, it dies. Connection is essential. It is a beating heart, breath flowing in and out, stretching and reaching for more.
That is why we come to church. Because frankly we can’t manage the Christian life, with its many demands and challenges, by ourselves. We need you. We need your prayers, your hard work, your input and ideas, your generosity. We need to hear what God is speaking to you. You are precious and loved and appreciated. And…you need us too.
When I think about our baptismal promises, from believing to living our beliefs to respecting the dignity of every person, it’s actually pretty overwhelming. Possible with God’s help. But we are baptized into a community. And I think that maybe God made the covenant challenging so we would reach out to one another, so we would recognize how much we need each other.
Find yourself a community of people you trust, who have integrity, and who try to live what they proclaim. Find yourself a spiritual companion or two who will specifically pray for you and tell you the truth. Pick out a few people you admire and want to be like as mentors, and ask them your questions. God has provided who you need. And be ready to be that companion for others.
There is a joy in this companioning that is unique and wonderful.
Don’t live without it!!