Why do we gather?

Why do we gather? Asking that question, this Lent, during this particular chapter seems especially poignant. While it appears that the worst of Covid is behinds us {in terms of both outright danger as well as opposing political points of view} we certainly have not moved passed the consequences of the virus nor the isolation that lingers still.

Why do we gather? It is the theme by which we will journey through the season together. Last night when I asked the question, you had many great responses, but our starting point was identity ~ we gather because it is who we are…whose we are.

From 1 Peter 2:9-10:

But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.  {The Message}

You have been chosen! By God!

Three times we hear 'chosen'; God is at work, calling and empowering YOU. Not only that but saving and redeeming you as well. From nothing to something. From rejected to accepted. This is who you are, your identity.

But there is more. This 'high calling of priestly work' is all about the priesthood of ALL believers. Those whom God chooses, God sends. Those upon whom God pours out love, grace, forgiveness, and mercy, are sent to be love, grace, forgiveness, and mercy in the world, conduits of the light shining in the darkness.

Why do we gather? To be fed with Word and Sacrament in order to live out who we are as the beloved. Identity!

Pastor Leah