For the last year members of Sophia Inclusive Community have shared their Faith Journeys with the community. These journeys have been individual with specific ethnic, economic, spiritual, and cultural aspects for each person. There was also a similar trajectory as well for about eighty percent of those who shared their stories.
Most stories were of cradle Catholics or Mainline Protestants who adhered to their church’s rules, traditions, dogmas, and doctrines as the grew up. Some were children of divorce; other survivors of abuse or had family members who were survivors of abuse. ALL had a deep faith that was always looking to express itself by giving back.
At one point, what they heard and believed about the message of Jesus did not match what the church they attended practiced and preached. So, they looked elsewhere for meaning and support.
They found this in the Intentional Eucharistic Community called Sophia Inclusive Community. There are hundreds of similar communities throughout the United States.
Today were heard two readings from Jim Palmer a former evangelical pastor. These readings sum up his Faith Journey with Jesus. He began as a traditional Catholic. He noted that he, “watched as the bread and wine became the sacrificial body and blood of Jesus Christ, and I heard stories about Jesus from the gospels.” He then became an Evangelical Christian and eventually a pastor of a Megachurch. He eventually moved away from Christianity and studied all religions.
Through all these changes, Jim Palmer always felt close to Jesus. He looked at the life of Jesus with new eyes and that Jesus resonated with him and still impacts his life. His writings, Facebook postings and blog have created a community of similar people who have found their voice in his voice. They are free to follow Jesus without all the trappings of organized religion. But they have found a loosely formed community.
It is clear to me that no matter if a person attends an organized religion such as the Roman Catholic Church or a Mainline Protestant Church or an Evangelical Church Jesus, in some manner, is the reason people gather together in community.
For those who have chosen to leave these organized structures and moved to intentional communities Jesus is still the reason for people to gather together. I would say that this is especially even more so. The focus is less on doctrines, dogmas, feast days, and ritual prayers. Rather the focus is on prayerful support, service, and mutual sharing.
As Jim Palmer readily indicates, even for those who no longer gather for intentional communities, Jesus is still the reason for many to still communicate and feel a sense of purpose and mission in their lives.
The impact of the Jesus story as presented to us be the Gospel writers has such a profound impact on humanity. Terms such as the “Golden Rule” and “The Good Samaritan” have become part of our lexicon. More importantly, speaking truth to power especially to religious and political leaders. Speaking words of inclusion to those who are marginalized by society especially the sick, disabled, those labelled as sinners and those seen as enemies. To all of these speaking and acting with words of compassion, mercy and forgiveness as a model for all to follow. As Jim Palmer states, “He was also a man of deep love, tenderheartedness and compassion.”
There was no bullying. No eye for an eye.
As we dig deeper into the Jesus story, many of us in Sophia have come to agree with some of what Jim Palmer states in the following, “In my view, Jesus is divine in the same way that all of us are. The difference between Jesus and most others is that Jesus fully knew and embodied the truth of who he was. When Jesus said he was the way, the truth, the life, and way to God, he was indicating that it was unnecessary and futile to seek God through the mindsets, ideology, formalities, and rules of religion. Jesus lived and expressed the fundamental truth that sets you free, which includes the realization that there is no separation between us and God and everything God represents.
I consider the life, teachings, and wisdom of Jesus to be universally relevant, regardless of one’s religious, spiritual, or philosophical point of view.”
Jesus gathered a group of people around him to form a community. He did so for support, to build a movement, and to encourage others to be empowered. It is in community that we are supplied with what we need to make choices for the greater good. It is in community that we are accompanied on a like minded journey. It is in community that we are nourished. It is in community that we come to learn from one another. It is in community that we are held accountable to one another. It is in community that we thrive and grow.
Jesus knew this. And Jesus is the reason for communities that are formed in his name. No matter how organized or unorganized; or loosely organized – communities form around the message of Jesus.
And then maybe in Paul’s word to the Corinthians we too can experience what he writes, “Finally, dear ones, rejoice and be well. Strive for full restoration. Encourage one another. Be agreeable. Live in harmony, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.”
These are my thoughts, what are yours?
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