Bond of Faith

In his book, "The Selfless Way of Christ," Henri Nouwen writes, "What is truly taking place in our lives is not the random ups and downs of our personal and communal lives, but rather the events of Christ's life being realized among us in and through the church.  It is Advent, Christ is coming; it is Christmas, Christ is being born; it is Lent, Christ is suffering; it is Holy Week, Christ is dying; it is Easter, Christ is risen; it is Pentecost, Christ is sending his Spirit. All other events--personal, social, or political--derive their meaning from the Christ event."    

 

You and I share a bond of faith in the living Christ.  The apostle Paul put it this way in Acts 17:28, ‘In him we live and move and have our being."  I believe our shared commitment to Christ as a Christian community is exemplified when we gather and when we go out in the name of Christ.  As Nouwen said, every event ultimately finds its meaning and purpose in Christ.  Yes, we gather in worship, fellowship, and mission, but most significantly, our identity is found in the living Christ and is to be witnessed in everything we do.  We are the church, the body of Christ.  Let us be moved by the shadow of the cross and the light of the empty tomb. These Christ events, as Nouwen calls them, make us who we are.

 

After a wonderful Easter celebration last Sunday, I look forward to gathering with you this Sunday to continue the joy of resurrection and contemplate the wonder of God's love. Invite someone to share this bond of faith with you at Westwood.

 

Jim Abernathy