Devotion - Tuesday, March 2

In our mobile society, we have an even more difficult time than our ancestors understanding that the invitation to follow Christ is an invitation to join community. When Jesus picked those twelve, he was establishing a tight bond of fellow followers. In singling out the Apostles, he was creating an identifiable community.

Following Jesus isn’t just about following some rules or directives; following Jesus means joining the community which follows.

This community makes our following easier. From one another we draw strength for the journey; from our fellow followers we gather insights into what Jesus would have us do; from those slightly in front we see a direction to be followed. There was great wisdom in Christ establishing this pattern for his followers.

But there are drawbacks. Anytime we are in a community there are going to be differences. Anytime we tie our future to the futures of others there are going to be factors beyond our control. Those we depend upon may not be dependable.

Perhaps this is, in the end, another benefit to being in a community of followers. When our actions affect not only our relationship with God but also our relationships with others, there exists the opportunity to be gently guided back into the fold. If our actions not only transgress God, but also the promises we have made to our brothers and sisters, one of those brothers or sisters can call the misdeed to our attention.

There are clear advantages to not only being a follower of Jesus, but a member of the community which follows Jesus. There are drawbacks. But the previous outweigh the latter. And together, we are more likely to discern the way of our Lord and Savior.