How to build up community

 Photo: Canva.com

In this part of his letter to the Romans (12:5-16), which is our first reading for today, Paul offers some good practical advice about how to live up to our faith in Jesus. First of all, he says that we are closely connected to one another, like a body. What this means is that we work together even though we have different gifts. Some keep an eye on the overall running of things; some teach; some preach; some are healers. But, Paul adds, make sure you do what you do with a smile. Then, he goes on to say, “let’s not pretend”. Care for one another like you mean it or as members of a family. Put your effort in like someone who believes in what he or she is doing. If you trust in the future this will give you something to be cheerful about. And don’t give up when things get tough. Trust that God listens to our prayers. Make hospitality, that welcoming spirit, a key value in your community. When you face those who try to bring you down, give them a blessing. Next, Paul advises us to “rejoice with those who rejoice and be sad with those in sorrow” and “treat everyone with equal kindness”. Make friends with the poor. Finally, make sure you never come to the stage where you think you’ve got it all together. There’s still more you can do. As I reflect upon this advice and encouragement from Paul, I turn to the gospel reading from Luke 14:15=24 where Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a great feast to which everyone is invited. It is sad when some turn down the invitation because they say they have other things more important to do. So the householder who is preparing the feast tells his servants to go out into those forgotten lanes and obscure regions where the poor, the blind, the lame and the crippled hide away and bring them in. It’s like the type of community that Paul is seeking to form, where those who believe they have something to offer are welcomed and encouraged to take part, where there is a genuine spirit of cheerful support, especially among those whom others look down upon. And remember, there is still more room in the kingdom and there is still more we can do.