Made for community

Independence is a primary value in our culture, but for most of the world's history this was not the case. In the Bible we read much more about an emphasis on the value of community. Jesus himself lived in a community and was part of what one theologian calls a village culture. Remember the incident in his youth when his parents lost track of him for several days during the Passover festival (Luke 2)? When I remember that story I always wonder how Mary and Joseph lost their kid, especially when they were raising the Messiah! They were part of a village, travelling together, and probably trusting that he was in the good hands of some friend or neighbor or family member.

Jesus and the scriptures encourage us to nurture a common life. They teach us to value community more highly than independence. Perhaps this could be a goal for all of us this Lenten season - to strive to find ways to build community. Jesus tells us we must lose our lives if we want to find them. Forming our lives around something other than our desires, jobs, and goals is radically countercultural. Studies show that our current society is wealthier and more lonely than at any other time. Maybe we need to re-orient ourselves? God invites us into common life with others. The practices of Lent especially lend themselves to helping us change our perspective, and open us up to connections with others. Regular worship, giving generously of our money and time to care for others, Bible study, and common meals - these are all central to the life of the church in the season of Lent. Midvale is a community and there is a place for you! We are created to live in community, it is what we were made for. It is what gives life to us!