(Jesus said to the twelve):“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.” ~ Matthew 10:40-42
What is it that makes a community of faith? What are qualities of that community?
For Jesus, generosity is certainly part of it.
And part of it is recognition. To see another and know they are your kin: fellow disciples; fellow travelers on the journey of faith.
To recognize them as children of the same God and to share with them. Share what you have. It might not be the finest wine, or a feast. But it is sustaining. Loving.
This week we celebrated the 4th of July - our nation's independence. But as followers of Jesus, we celebrate our inter-dependence. We need each other: prophets, righteous, and ordinary folks. We are community together, and our freedom is celebrated when we see that our freedom rests with each other as well.
Remind of my interdependence on the rest of my community, Lord. And teach me to share generously with them. Amen.