We are stronger together than apart.
Community builds character and strength.
Through Community, we activate our oneness.
We behold the Christ in one another.
Responsive Reading for October 1
“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. And they were amazed and wondered, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?” (Acts 2:1-9, RSV).
All is well when we are together. We are stronger together than apart.
“Don’t seek revenge or carry a grudge against any of your people. Love your neighbor as yourself. I am God” (Leviticus 19:18, The Message).
We are grateful for this family. Spiritual Community builds character and strength.
“For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine” (Romans 1:11-12 RSV).
The love we share is sunshine after rain. Through community we activate our oneness.
“Let us consider how we can stir up one another to love. Let us help one another to do good works. And let us not give up meeting together. Some are in the habit of doing this. Instead, let us encourage one another with words of hope. Let us do this even more as you see Christ’s return approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-5 New International Reader’s Version).
All is well when we are together. We behold the Christ in one another.