This summer, we have been speaking about how our God comes to us through the moments in our lives in which we experience awe…this may be awe at the beauty of a majestic moment in the outdoors or awe in a quiet, sacred moment with a loved one. When we are attuned to that special feeling we realize that we are part of something much larger than just ourselves. And, when we experience such moments with others, we remember that we are deeply connected to one another and to all of creation, as one writer said, we have a moment of “collective effervescence” that helps to increase our hope and joy at being part of the human family. The mystic Rumi once wrote, “Do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside you. Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion. Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames.” – Rumi When we gather for Worship or a community outreach project; when we walk in a fundraiser or participate in some larger service project, we are uplifted by being in the midst of something important and worthwhile and yes, the flame of hope and love may be fanned within our hearts and within the group. Let us pray,
Recently, there was a nice piece on the News about a group in Maine which I had not heard about. They are called Community Plate and they offer meals across the state which bring people together to share a meal and to hear the stories of others. They provide an antidote to the loneliness epidemic that has too many feeling isolated and they allow for important connections among neighbors.
Years ago, I recall hearing a wonderful talk by a professor from the Harvard Business School. She and two colleagues had sought out people in mid life who continued to be active in their communities, sharing their talents and resources to try to mend the world in some way. One of the things she shared is that each of the interviewees told of stories of when they were young, in their teens or early twenties, when they were able to join with others to be part of a larger experience of service. They said that that had left a big impression on their lives and taught them the importance of giving back in community. When I was a college chaplain, I had the great pleasure of accompanying student groups on service programs both to impoverished communities in Central America as well as to spend a week in an urban setting being a service to communities in need. One of the really significant parts of the experience is that we did this together, that we spent the days side by side, often in pretty challenging circumstances whether physically or emotionally or both, and then we had time for prayer and reflection each evening. My hope is that many of these students continue to draw upon those experiences as they move through life.
We know that we can’t be human without connection. God made us to be together. And we bring that connection to life in worship, when we “sing to YHWH a new song,” and “sing praise in the assembly of the faithful.” The psalmist certainly understood how wonderful it is to be together in song, how it lifts us up and helps build a bridge to one another. Think of the ways that singing together provided the necessary balm for the pain of exile for the Israelites and joyful catharsis in celebrating their return.
“Experiences [of collective effervescence] contribute to a life filled with less loneliness and greater meaning, positive emotions, and social connection… Collective assembly meets the primal human yearnings for shared social experiences. A collective assembly can start to heal the wounds of a traumatized community. When we come together to share authentic joy, hope, and pain, we melt the pervasive cynicism that often cloaks our better human nature.” – Brené Brown, “Why Experiencing Joy and Pain in a Group Is So Powerful”, Greater Good Magazine
The crowds gather to hear Jesus. They likely are telling each other stories of what they’ve heard about this teacher–the things he has said, the wonders he has performed. There is a buzz. Jesus begins to walk among them. They reach out to touch his clothes because they feel or perceive a kind of power coming from him. They clamor to speak with him. At times he has to get in a boat in order to teach, so large are their numbers. And they stayed with him so long at times, that he had to find a way to feed thousands physically as well as spiritually.
All of this means that Jesus created connection on a large scale–perhaps even the thrill that is called “collective effervescence” when people have a heightened experience together. And we know from the research about this phenomenon that the bond created in shared experience of this kind lasts for a good long while. He gave them a gift of feeling part of something bigger even after they returned to their homes, their labor, and whatever circumstances they faced in their lives. And this is why we gather in his name as well. Our lives are made richer as we gather as the Body of Christ, as we sing, play our instruments (maybe dance!) and offer our prayers together as a faith community. We are not alone. What a divine gift in a world that too often seeks to separate and divide us.
But he didn’t just make crowd connections. He sought out connection with people around personal tables. Again, allow your imagination to describe the scene. At table. Your table. With JesusWhat would that have been like? I can only imagine that he wasn’t just at the table with you, but he paid attention to you. Saw you. Knew you.
To be known is the deepest human need, I believe–thus the power of connection and the possibility for healing when connections are made and we embrace one another with respect and love. As followers of Jesus, we are called to make connections. To slow down, to “spend” time, to give our attention. Whether it is feeding those who are hungry physically or using gathering for meals to draw people together who are hungry spiritually, socially, or emotionally. Many of you were able to join us last Friday evening to gather with our neighbors at the Synagogue in friendship and peace as we prayed together for that in the world. In times when we feel alone, it is important to remember that we are part of something so much bigger than ourselves. As children of God, we are called to walk with each other, to lift one another, to share one another’s burdens and celebrate joys, and to realize in our actions the peace we seek for our world. What an amazing and awesome thing it is to be part of this beloved community.