Community

This week I participated in my second communal penance service. Reconciliation is the sacrament that I have probably struggled with the most since becoming Catholic; indeed, this sacrament has drawn many questions from the RCIA candidates I've had the privilege of intereacting with this year. I definitely don't have all the answers. At this point I participate in this sacrament as an act of obedience. Still, I really appreciate these communal penance services. To stand in line waiting to see a priest, and see people all around me dealing with their sins is pretty humbling and encouraging. It reminds me that I'm not alone in my sinfulness, or in wanting to stop sinning. To make a good confession requires me to have a true desire and intent to "go forth and sin no more". It is comforting, somehow, to know that the believers with whom I worship each Sunday are on this journey with me.

This sense of community has been an important part of my understanding of Christianity for a long time. As a Baptist I had the privilege to be a part of a home group for several years that truly shared life together - both sorrows and joys. I remember Lord's Supper services at this Baptist church that always touched me. Each person spent time praying and preparing themselves, then went to a deacon to receive the Lord's Supper. Watching people on those nights was very like the communal penance service.

Still, for some reason I find the communal aspect of Christianity to be especially enhanced as a Catholic. I didn't read about that anywhere, but I definitely experience it. Every week we receive the Body and Blood of Christ together and it unites us. The concept of the church as the Body of Christ has taken on new meaning to me that I'm still struggling to articulate - maybe I'll find the words soon.