When Two or Three Are Gathered

What is your favorite story about Jesus and why?
What is our understanding of who Jesus was/is and why is he important?

These are a couple of the questions that we wrestled with on Sunday evening at the New Christianity class.  I am enjoying our lively conversations and have been thinking since Sunday how appropriate it was that of all the topics we are exploring in this class, Jesus was the focus as we began Holy Week.

However, not one of us mentioned the crucifixion or resurrection as his or her "favorite" story.  For some Christians, the events that we remember during Holy Week comprise the only story of Jesus that is important.  I am so glad that I am a part of a community that sees the events of Holy Week as a part of a larger narrative that continually challenges us to to live fully, love generously, and boldly strive to bring heaven to earth.

Someone in the class shared that their favorite story was the Feeding of the 5000 so I shared a close runner up for me: Jesus meeting the Disciples on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35).  Every time two or more are gathered together, God is with us.  I am certainly experiencing that on Sunday evenings as we break bread and talk with one another.

Welcome Interruptions

I just returned from spending a lovely day with the women of Rock Spring at Shepherds Spring in Sharpsburg, Maryland where our annual Women's Retreat is still in process.  The table to the left provided a wonderful focal point for us and was set by our  able facilitator for the day, Marjory Zoet-Bankson.

The day starting with what Marjory called "moving pairs."  She would give us a question and we would spend just a couple of minutes sharing our responses with one other person in the group.  We did this several times; each time we met with a different person and each time the questions got a little bit deeper.  I valued this opportunity to get to know some women a little bit better.  I wish there had been time to do it with everyone there.

One question that is sticking with me, "Has there been an interruption in your life that has opened up new dimensions?"  What a great question!  On my drive home I kept thinking about it.  So often we think of interruptions as a distraction and something that gets us off track.  As I look back on my life, I know that I have greeted most of the major interruptions that have come my way with dread.  Yet as I look back on them,  I wouldn't trade where they have led me for anything. 

My prayer for tonight is that I might be more open to interruptions and receptive to the opportunities they might hold.