I love today’s gospel reading. It reminds me of how special and powerful communal prayer is. We were made for community. We were made to love and to be loved. Who is in your community?
A Private Matter
Where I grew up in the northeast, prayer was a very private affair within the family unit. Sometimes even solely a private matter to oneself. You can imagine my surprise when I moved to the south. The Bible belt, as some call it. Our protestant brothers and sisters pray together far and wide. After spending some time in a non-denominational Bible study, I craved to have something like it in my own Catholic parish. As the Psalmist said, my soul was on fire! I sought the advice of a friend and she directed me to a series of books by Stacy Mitch.
Pastoral Encouragement
Next, I had a meeting with my pastor nearly thirteen years ago. I will remember that day as long as I live. I was a largely pregnant young mom and Father jumped up out of his chair when I showed him the books. He exclaimed, “Where did you get these books? They are rock solid!” It was a go. I had permission to start a women’s group.
Secondly, I put an add in the bulletin. I called my mom and begged her to come to the meeting. I was sure it would be the two of us…. maybe one or two more. I was not prepared for what happened next.
Fifty some women showed up to that meeting. Young, old, married, single, widowed. At least five study groups were created. Some of them still meet today.
Gathering in His name
Though my own group has shrunk and grown and changed over the years based on the ebbs and flows of life, I know when we are gathered, He is in our midst. These women pray for me and I for them. We encourage one another. We challenge each other, lift each other up. Sacrifices are made, Masses are said for our families, meals are prepared. There is laughter. There are tears. Babies are born. Death happens and funerals are planned. We are a community.
Know the Gospel
Matthew specifically says in today’s reading, “Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
You do not need to gather a large group of people together. Start small. I am suggesting you pray aloud with a friend. Invite someone to Eucharist Adoration. Have a neighbor over for coffee and read the readings of the day. Go to your local Catholic bookstore and ask for a book suggestion. Invite your brother or sister to read and discuss it with you. Because this I know; when you do this, He is there too.
This is inspiring! Thank you for sharing, Joanne! I will have to email you at some point and ask you more about how you formed the women’s group. We certainly all do crave that spiritual community. God bless.
I’ve been thinking about you! We live so close– we should meet up sometime.
How beautiful and true! Having a community of people you share the faith with is truly creating another family!
Interestingly, I came across this quote from Mother Teresa just last night, “The problem with the world is that we draw the circle of our family too small.”
I haven’t heard that quote from her before, but she’s right. we belong to each other. Have a blessed day!!!