From the Rector:
Building a Community of Hope (continued)
It’s no secret that "religious" people aren't always seen as the shining example Jesus intended. Speaking personally along the way of my life lies the ditch for smugness, the pothole of judgmentalism, the rut of superiority, and the crater of self-righteousness. Unfortunately, these things sneak in.
But is the church itself really the problem? The issue is not so much the nature of church but its connection to God’s purpose for the church. If we are to be living within God’s story, and if God’s story can be likened to a map, a narrative, or a piece of music, then we should be asking, "What road are we on? What narrative are we living in?" These questions will lead us to see that church is mainly what happens the other 167 hours a week we spend outside of worship.
Many today in our society say, “I’m spiritual, but not religious.” Here is the best definition of Christian spirituality that I’ve heard: Union in action with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Whatever we’re doing, connection to God directs our whole life. There is a subtle but huge difference between Christianity viewed as something to do versus something to live. May this be our goal - Christianity as something we live, and as we grow into that we will become more and more a community of hope for ourselves and for the world.
Blessings,
Father Rand+
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