In Person Community

Weekly reflections on religion and what's going on in the world.

Most of the time, and if I have the right attitude, I get re-energized by spending time with other people. I also cherish my alone, down-time in order to recharge. I'm not sure if this makes me an introvert or an extrovert and it probably doesn't matter. What I do know is that I value in-person experiences which is what I'd like to speak to in this Pastor's Box.

Living in an electronic age has opened up many, incredible opportunities - we can conduct business around the world instantaneously; we can access huge amounts of information and find answers to complex questions in a matter of seconds; tasks that once required we be physically present now require only the push of a button. Much of life’s work can be done without ever having to leave the comfort of our home. We can create community too via our electronic devices, but online communities also have their limitations because, ever since the dawn of civilization, people have intuitively known that they need to be physically present with each other; that is, show up, when it really matters.

In the New Testament, the Lord created community by being physically present. “Wherever Jesus entered into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged Him that they might just touch the border of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well." (Mark 6:56) “And Jesus took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.” (Mark 10:16) The Lord was always with people, living amongst them, sharing everyday experiences and reaching out primarily through the sense of touch. Regarding "touch," we're taught that, “the meaning of touch by use of the hands has its origin in representatives in the next life. People there whose states of life are dissimilar appear far removed from one another, whereas those whose states of life are similar appear living in association with one another; and those who touch one another there transmit their state of life to another. If this is done by the use of the hands the whole of their life is transmitted” (Arcana Coelestia 10023:9). What a powerful thought.

Looking someone in the eyes, shaking their hand, giving them a hug, hearing their voice, their tone and inflection; using your body language to show that you are listening, that you care - none of these “spheres” can be manufactured electronically. This is why we have church communities - to physically “show up” and support each other in the journey of life. Love is felt powerfully when we are physically present.