MONDAY, October 3

1 Corinthians 10:14—11:1. The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ?

One of the darkest times in my life was when I was going through my divorce. I was devastated, lost, and alone—or it surely seemed that way. I was almost convinced that God had abandoned me, wondering what I had done to deserve it.

Somehow God’s grace got me through those days. I never ceased celebrating the eucharist, and I know that my sharing in the body of Christ gave me the strength to keep going, especially when I was at my weakest.

I also learned that God’s grace and strength is not enough. I also needed and received the love and support of my parish family. They were there for me just as I hope I can always be there for them in their time of need.

Jesus left us that remembrance, that meal—the eucharist—to strengthen us in our life of faith. But just as importantly, Jesus left us a faith community to be there to love and support us in our darkest hours.

We cannot come too often to this holy table.

--John Evelyn

PRAY for the Diocese of St. David’s (Wales)

Ps 106:1-18 * 106:19-48; 2 Kings 21:1-18; Matthew 8:28-34

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Koinonia

Oct 03, 2011 at 7:13 am

Written by Bonnie,

Koinonia. A spiritual communion with one another, with Christ. The early Christians devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the communion, to the breaking of bread and to prayer (Acts 2). This communion strengthens the community as a whole while giving needed encouragement and endurance to individual believers. Let us not look upon it lightly or take it for granted.

"We cannot come too often to this holy table."

...

Oct 03, 2011 at 7:14 am

Written by community,

Just curious. What does a "faith community" mean to you? Who is part of that community? What are the requirements for belonging? How many persons make a community? How does your parish family interface with your mother, father, sister, brother, husband, wife, children?

...

Oct 03, 2011 at 8:05 am

Written by Greg,

Wonderful how the author contrasts the stength he received from the Body of the Lord in the Eucharist with the strength he received from the body of the Church. One inward, the other outward. Both the living Body of Christ. Great meditation. Thanks for it.

community

Oct 03, 2011 at 8:39 am

Written by sister liz,

Those who are with me-often times is not immediate family. It is the family God has provided to befriend me as a Christian and thus the friendship has an eternal end to it. I am reminded that Elijah was comforted by the angels in the wilderness. Thank you for an enlightening meditation.

community

Oct 03, 2011 at 8:40 am

Written by sister liz,

Those "are not" -sorry

Without parish family...

Oct 03, 2011 at 9:17 am

Written by Marco of San Francisco,

Most unfortunately, here in San Francisco, my parish, an Anglo Catholic
parish, is not warm, welcoming or friendly. New comers such as myself of
only two years, are now included or accepted by the old guard members...
not accepted in any manner. I attend Low Mass on Saturday mornings,
every Saturday and from time to time the Sunday High Mass and leave after,
no coffee hour. I tried, almost no one would even speak to me even though
I did some volunteer work, and served as an usher. Sadly, for this parish, it
is an honorable tradition to exclude new comers. There is no faith community here for me. I do find strength and community with God at Low Mass. Thanks be to God!

St. Cuthbert's in Oakland

Oct 03, 2011 at 11:49 am

Written by Marti,

Hi Marco, So sorry to hear about your experience in your current parish. Please take a little trip to Oakland and visit St. Cuthbert's. I visited there and found the members very warm and welcoming. This is an old parish with great diversity in its congregation. Here is their website, take a look. Regards, Marti stcuthbertsoakland.org

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