Being Little Christs

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Gal. 6:2

          In some ways, this is a strange time of year to take holidays.  However, this has also been a strange year, so why not?  I looked for a couple of weeks in between confirmation classes and Advent, and came up with the first couple of weeks in November.

          While I am aware that I need some down time, it is hard to contemplate doing so right now.  There is plenty to work on for Advent and Christmas, and various people have had recent surgery.  On top of that, people are feeling more isolated than ever as we head into winter in the midst of a pandemic.

          However, if the truth be told, there are always ongoing needs in the congregation, and the pastor cannot and should not be the only one offering prayers and support.  In fact, there is plenty of “one another” language to be found in the New Testament – directed at all those who are part of the body of Christ.

          Love one another.  Pray for one another.  Bear one another’s burdens.  Forgive one another.  Be kind to one another.  There are times when all of us need both to give and to receive care from one another.

          I give thanks during these times of physical distancing for all those who have been striving to stay in touch with other members of the congregation.  Phone calls, mail, email, texts, online connections, dropping things off to people – all of these things help in being able to care for one another. Martin Luther used the term “little Christs” and talked about how we are called to be Christ to one another.  This can be either giving or receiving, as we are reminded in Matthew 25.  In the parable of the last judgement, those who are hungry and thirsty and sick and imprisoned are also Jesus.  It is like he suffers with them and ministers to them, all at the same time.

          While this can seem quite confusing, Jesus can do this because he is in us through the Holy Spirit.  So, in essence, Christ in me can minister to Christ in you – or the other way around.  This is important because we are not always in the same position in our own lives.

          Sometimes we are in a position to be able to offer care and support to those who are in need.  At other times, we might be the ones who need the prayers and love and support of others.

          So – if you are able to offer support and care and prayers to others, please do!  Think especially of those who live alone or who don’t have much family support.  And listen to the Spirit! – Usually if somebody comes to mind for prayer, there is a good reason for it.

          At the same time, if you are the one who is in need of prayers and support, don’t be afraid to reach out to others.  We are part of the body of Christ for a reason – and nobody should ever have to suffer alone.

          And so, love one another.  Bear one another’s burdens.  For this is the way of Christ.

          In Christ,

          Pastor Lynne Hutchison