“We Are Family”
“Who are you?” How do you respond when someone asks you that? I’m a bit of a Country music fan, and Jessica Andrews sang a song called, “Who I Am.” She sings, “I am Rosemary’s granddaughter / The spitting image of my father / And when the day is done / My momma’s still my biggest fan / Sometimes I’m clueless and I’m clumsy / But I’ve got friends who love me / And they know where I stand / It’s all a part of me / And that’s who I am.
Looking into my wallet…Alas, no money, but I have cards that may describe who I am: a driver’s license shows I’m a Minnesota resident who can drive…Well, maybe. 😉 A Luther Seminary student ID shows I’m a student. A Caribou Coffee employee card shows that I am an employee of Caribou Coffee…And maybe a coffee aficionado. These cards offer a glimpse of who I am.
Today, I’m going to tell you who you are…Should you be scared? Nah…So, who are you? The church! We are God’s children. We are brothers and sisters. “We Are Family,” as the song says.
This Spirit-led community is the body of Christ, God’s hands and feet in the world today. With the Spirit indwelling this community, the church goes out into the world, sharing the Good News of Christ, both in word and action. In Matthew 25:35-36, Jesus says, “for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me” (NRSV). Jesus goes on to say in verse 40, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (NRSV). In response to God’s love, the church meets human needs.
It is amazing and touching to see how this community has walked with one another, especially in times of loss. To have four funerals in a little over three weeks is simply unheard of! Love, compassion, and hospitality have been overflowing. “We Are Family.”
On Sunday, October 7th, we are welcoming even more people into this wonderful family! What an exciting time it is to be a part of this community! As we walk with one another in times of loss and celebration, may we also remember to walk in such a way with others outside the walls, being the church to a world in need of love and hope.
A few weeks ago, my devotion for the day was from Isaiah 26:12, “Indeed, all that we have done, you have done for us.” Martin Luther said that our works are “God’s masks, behind which he remains hidden, although he does all things” (Day by Day We Magnify You, page 295). God is the one doing the work and can accomplish all things, but we need to do our part, getting involved, “to give God an occasion and a mask” (Luther, page 295). Are we doing our part?
During the month of October, the theme will be “Let Your Life Speak.” My prayer for you is to let your life speak, everywhere you go…Let God speak in you and through you…You just never know what may happen…Who knows, maybe that chorus of “We Are Family” will get louder and louder.
God’s Peace and Blessings to You, Caroline