Gather

Jesus was big on gathering people. At the start of his public ministry, Jesus gathered a community of disciples. Many gathered to listen to Him preach, to the point where He attracted thousands and people needed to climb trees to catch a glimpse of Him passing (Lk 19:4). As the disciples who recognised Jesus as the Messiah, the apostles continued the example of Jesus, gathering a community of believers, the Church. 

Gathering as a Church community continues to be a cornerstone of our faith where we are bound by a common love for the Savior and participate in the Sacraments. At the Last Supper Jesus asked us to gather to celebrate the Eucharist, “Do this in memory of me,” (Lk 22:19). The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith and there is grace and power when we gather. 

There are other ways to express our faith that don’t involve gathering. We are encouraged to spend time with God alone in prayer and adoration, listening to Him and experiencing His love for us in awesome places, such as rainforests, beaches and mountains. But this ‘alone time’ cannot replace the Sacraments and the need to gather as a community and worship God, who loves us, saves us and brings meaning to our lives. 

When we gather each of us has something very special, unique and holy to offer. As Saint Paul suggests in his Letter to the Corinthians, we can offer time, teaching, conversation, music and a listening ear. All of these unique contributions will build us up as the Church.

It is an uncomfortable truth that attendance at Mass and other Church gatherings is dropping. We need to understand why and ask a few questions about this. When is the Church a ‘Church’? Is it only a Church when we gather on Sunday mornings? Or is it a Church when we, nourished by the Eucharist, go out? Is it a Church when we gather to coordinate help for flood victims? And when we gather with others, how will they know we are Christians? 

There is much to ponder and discern in how we gather as Catholics. What we do know is that God will always be there with us and working through us.