Dear Friend,
Welcome to week twelve of BMW, Be My Witnesses. I am Bishop Earl Boyea of Lansing. We have prayed again; we have learned some more; now let us reflect again on what it means to “belong.” Being missionary disciples is not a loner’s call. Rather, it is out of our belonging that we are able to go forth and announce the Gospel of the Lord.
Belong: The Common Life (Acts 2:42-47)
Shortly after his conversion, Saint Augustine of Hippo (354 to 430 AD) wrote a brief rule for a common life with other laity. He actually organized a house according to this rule when he returned to his home in Thagaste, North Africa. Once he became a bishop, he had a group of priests join him in this same rule.
The basis for Augustine’s rule was the text from the Acts of the Apostles (4:32-35): “the community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common…. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.”
We not only are not alone; we can’t be alone as Christians. We belong to the Body of Christ and this must manifest itself in a common life. Of course, we love God and our neighbor, but this more specifically means being “of one heart and mind,” learning to live in harmony with our fellow believers. It also means we are to share. Those who have are to assist those who have not.
Saint Augustine added that we should pray together and be persistent in this activity. He called upon all of us to be moderate and to practice self-denial. These are ways to look toward the other rather than just looking to ourselves. Hence we need to be able to say, “I’m sorry,” and to offer forgiveness. No community can survive without those sets of words.
I am fascinated that he spends a good amount of time upon what used to be called “custody of the eyes.” In our computer world, we all need better custody of our eyes. He also encouraged healthy correction of our brothers and sisters.
Now, all these fruits and supports for the common life of Christians are only possible with grace. In the midst of that summary from the Acts of the Apostles, I skipped this line: “With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all” (verse 33).
To belong and actually to live that belonging requires this “great favor” from Jesus. It is, after all, his life we live. As we do so, we cannot help but want to invite others in and to proclaim to them the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
My Challenge
For our challenge this week, examine your own manner of belonging to your parish or a parish organization or a group of fellow believers. Where do you find yourself living out the belonging well and what might help to improve that, with God’s grace, of course.
Until next week, may God Bless you.
I am sincerely yours in Christ,
+ Earl Boyea
Bishop of Lansing
P.S. Below is a video version of this week's Be My Witnesses. Please do share with family and friends. Thank you. God bless you.