Community

The reading for the Eucharist this morning and the daily meditation at Taize today both speak of community so I thought I'd share them:

"Who could choose the vocation to a life in community in order to attain their own individual well-being? No, that's not the road!

To be happy in community? Yes. And when all are following Christ together, all without exception, community life becomes a kind of message of joy, even in the most sombre hours."

From the book:
Peace of Heart in All Things
by Brother Roger of Taizé
published by GIA Publications

and the epistle this morning...

"Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, and that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will" 2 Timothy 2 vv 22-26

Shun youthful passions? Not so sure that's always good. Senseless controversies well yes we should avoid them but controversies about theology and ecclesiology? I think those matter sometimes if not most of the time.

So the task is to be challenging without "challenging" and preaching without "preaching". Servant leadership really is a tough deal!