Embody Sacred Community
David Anderson of Redmond, OR, USA
One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” -Mark 12:28-31
During the times my family moved, we always sought contact with Community of Christ. While we lived on the Japanese island of Okinawa, a sacred community blessed our young family-my wife, Gail; our baby daughter, Robyn; and me.
When we first arrived, a group of disciples warmly welcomed us into their culture and graciously included us in their companionship. Despite language and cultural barriers, we shared together often. We also smiled and gestured a lot. Each Sunday when we arrived, church members happily cared for Robyn, allowing Gail and me to enjoy worship and companionship.
The church members and friends were patient with us. On one occasion, without much thought, we brought a gelatin dessert for the church potluck. This dish does not work well with chopsticks! No one said a word, but they all politely tried to eat their portion.
On another occasion, while sharing in fellowship at a home, everyone had taken off their shoes at the door, a normal practice in Japan. Being a typical toddler, Robyn decided to try on all the shoes, mixing, and misplacing them throughout the house. When it was time to go home, everyone searched patiently to find their shoes, chuckling as they walked throughout the house.
Our family is thankful for that community. It touched our lives by embodying the sacred gift of hospitality.
Prayer Phrase
“Attention is the beginning of devotion” (Mary Oliver).
Spiritual Practice
Holy Attention
Engaging in the practice of holy attention allows us to suspend our inner conversations and agendas and give reverent and receptive focus to a specific person or portion of God’s creation. Regarding another as an unrepeatable miracle whose life journey is unique and sacred brings awareness to and affirmation of God’s presence in all creation. We do this in the spirit of Christ who saw into the deep hearts of people and recognized their true identities as God’s beloved. Spend time this day in prayerful attention to God’s creation, to the people in your life, and to your daily surroundings.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
