Two or Three Gathered

I love Jesus’ words in Matthew 18 — “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” It is a humble, hopeful promise. When a few of us gather in Jesus’ name, we are part of the real-time incarnation of Christ in our world. I love that promise!

Jesus could surely have said, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, conflict will be there among them.” It seems that we often find ways to disagree about things both great and small — music, words, theology, how to live, etc. The verses immediately before Jesus’ promise of presence are about conflict, and how to address conflict. Jesus talks about speaking with one another not to prove the other wrong, but to value the relationship, to strengthen the community. Go get 2-3 others. Work on the relationship, because Jesus is there. We need each other.

The point is not to be able to end all conflict. The point is knowing that Christ is present in the interchange, the dialogue, the differences, because none of us ever has all truth by ourselves. We commit to being part of a community so we can keep seeking truth with each other, and in one another. Jesus’ promise is not easy, but it does call us again and again to community.

A Catholic priest once said something I’ve never been able to forget — “Jesus called us into community because he knew community would save us.” I keep trying to learn that truth even while I live in a thoroughly individualistic culture. What do you think?

Peace,
Hans