IN LITTLE WAYS

Fellowship

From Easter to Pentecost, the Mass readings included passages from the Book of Acts describing St. Paul’s missionary journeys and the growth of the early church. We also listened to Paul’s letters guiding these new Christian communities. One word I kept hearing from both sources was “fellowship.”

Coming together as a group was important to the early believers. They were a minority and felt it. No one had been a Christian long. They studied the apostles’ letters and discussed how to live their faith. They supported those members who were poor or imprisoned. They collected funds for missionaries and looked for opportunities to tell others about Jesus. Their worship included a shared meal with all the pleasures of good food and good conversation. Of course, they also had their quarrels, which they took seriously because they took fellowship seriously.

Not much has changed. Today, popular culture can often make Christians feel like outsiders. We’re still trying to apply the principles of our faith to our private and public lives. We still collect money for the poor, the sick, and missionaries. We still receive communion together, and we still quarrel. What we don’t do as much of is spend time together. We don’t fellowship.

I think that’s a mistake. Human beings are herd animals. We look to each other for guidance and protection, and we adapt our behavior to fit in. If we spend all our time with nonbelievers, we will find it difficult to hold onto our beliefs or to put them into practice. Fellowship with other Christians helps us remain faithful.

We learn how to be a Christian, in part, by watching other Christians. We see how they deal with their spouses, raise their children, care for their parents, and handle life’s crises. We have to be close enough to one another, though, to get these intimate glimpses. It won’t happen while passing the peace. We need to spend time together.

Fellowship with older Christians can comfort us. They know that today’s troubles won’t last forever. Christian children can inspire us with the simplicity of their faith. Every parish has saints whose presence alone brings us peace and joy. Parish social events are a great place to welcome new parishioners. Inviting friends and neighbors to these activities is painless evangelizing.

Many Christians find that membership in a small group benefits their spiritual life. They share their doubts, fears and triumphs with one another. Some become part of an organization such as the Legion of Mary, Knights of Columbus or Cursillo. They take a Bible study class or join a prayer group. Others meet informally, while cleaning the church, preparing the worship space or filling food baskets. Social events are a good way to meet members of these groups and see if we find them congenial.

An important ministry of the church is praying for one another. We naturally pray more fervently and faithfully for people we know. Whether we’re asking for prayer or offering it, knowing a face and a name helps. Fellowship gives us names and faces.

Fellowship enhances worship. Bible passages gain extra power when read by a lector we know and admire. It is a special pleasure to receive Communion from a friend in Christ. We delight in watching youngsters we once saw baptized now serve at the altar. We may even sing with greater fervor when familiar voices lead us.

The Bible teaches that we are brothers and sisters in Christ. Shouldn’t we regularly spend time with our faith family? So what do you say? You bring the potato salad, I’ll make bul kogi, and we’ll see each other at the picnic.