A call to persevere - One cannot live alone

Hebrew 10:24-25

Taken from: the Word Among Us daily meditation.. www.wau.org

How does a lion take down an elephant? You would think such massive creatures as elephants would be virtually invincible.

But in some areas of Africa, lions will hunt together and isolate one of these giant beasts from its group. And in that way, they can overpower a creature many times their size.

We too are most vulnerable when we are separated from our brothers and sisters in Christ. Throughout history, God’s people have seen themselves as belonging together, whether through communal prayer, sabbath observance, major feasts, or Temple celebrations. Yet somehow even the believers addressed in this marvelous epistle were tempted to try to go it alone, neglecting the Eucharistic celebrations and times of corporate prayer that were meant to be a regular part of their lives. And so the author exhorted his readers: “Consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. We should not stay away from our assembly … but encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Christianity simply was not meant to be lived in isolation. We are all members of the body of Christ, and it is through this body that the real blessings flow. The more separated we are from one another, the more vulnerable we are to temptation. Without the witness of fellow believers, our perspective can get muddled, and we can lose sight of how much God can do in our lives. Even the wordless testimony of the different families and individuals who show up for Mass every Sunday can speak volumes, lifting our hearts and urging us to keep seeking the Lord.

St. John Chrysostom once said, “You cannot pray at home as at church … the union of minds, the accord of souls, the bond of charity, the prayers of the priests.”

Not only can we be encouraged by the other members of our church. We have the opportunity to do the same for them. So let’s keep in mind what is happening when we come together to celebrate the Eucharist. Nothing can equal the blessings of true brotherhood and sisterhood. For it is there, in the assembly of the believers, that the Lord lavishes blessings—even to eternal life (Psalm 133:3)!

Word of Prayer: “Jesus, our great high priest, I join with my brothers and sisters throughout the world to praise and adore you, and to proclaim you as our King!”

P.s: Read also Psalm 133 on the Blessedness of Unity. ^^,

God bless!