Hebrews 10:24-25 instructs us: “We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another…”
Clearly, being in community means we have responsibilities to each other. There’s something powerful about coming together with other, helping each other become their best selves, making each other accountable, witnessing one another’s lives and accompanying each other through the highs and lows. We need people checking in on us, asking the hard questions, and continually reminding us to live our faith. Proverbs 27:17 inspires us that, just as “iron is sharpened by iron, one person sharpens another.”
Being in a small group gives us confidence to live as Jesus did, reaching out to others and inviting them into a relationship with Him and each other.
Acts 2:42 describes for us how the early Christians lived in community … and how we, too, can live: “They devoted themselves to the teachings of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.”
Here are ideas for you as you seek to find Jesus in Community:
1. PRAY
- Thank God for the church community of which you are a part.
- Pray for the priests and leaders in your community.
2. ACT
- Bring non-perishable food items to Mass to help support our local communities. Look for the collection basket in the church to benefit St. Vincent de Paul at St. Mary and Loaves and Fishes at St. John Vianney.
- Attend Sunday Hospitality & introduce yourself to someone new.
3. INSPIRE
- Smile at someone and ask how you can pray for them.
- Find a way to be part of your parish community. Ask a minister about their experience.