No one exists independently of others. If there is one consistent message in Scripture, it is that human existence is about relationships. No one is on their own; no one is to live in isolation for themselves only, but for each other, with responsibility to maintain connection in all circumstances.
Thus, in the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, the prophet is appointed watchman for the house of Israel as they try to maintain their identity as community while in exile. The Lord calls Ezekiel to speak to the wicked, those whose behavior is inappropriate, to call them to change; the salvation of the people is in his hands. The people’s covenant with God should tell them what is just and what is not; so long as they remain focused on the community and act justly toward one another, so long as their hearts are not hardened, as Psalm 95 states, the people shall not die to God and to relationship. All are called to find their identity in community and, as community, to do better.
Similar wisdom can be found coming from Jesus, in Matthew’s Gospel, as Jesus explains to his disciples that the consequences of one person’s choice affect those around them, and may be damaging to relationship. And so the disciples are called to embrace their responsibility for each other in community: If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault. The community is meant to be in unity with one another; we tell another his faults not be superior but to come together on equal footing and connection. And if that person chooses not to connect, you still love him. Where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am in the midst of them, Jesus says. Jesus is the connection, the source of all unity.
Paul sums up these teachings nicely in the Letter to the Romans: Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another. The only debt we have is that of love: we owe it to one another to love one another because Jesus showed the depth of God’s love for us in dying for all for our salvation. As we enter into union with one another, we are drawn into union with God and become the Body of Christ. And so we are called to be Christ’s followers, to model ourselves on the love he has revealed, modeling our love on his love, that we might live justly and one day know perfect union, eternally, with him.
This post is based on Fr. Pat’s Scripture Class.
Image source: www.wordclouds.com
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