“Where two or more are gathered in my name, I am in their midst.” These words of Jesus are
essential in understanding what the church is meant to be. They are the foundation for the
structure and rules that follow. They are the basis for why we meet as church. Yes, we can
emphasize the individual’s personal journey and his or her encounter with Christ. But there is
a new dynamic that happens when two or more are gathered in his name.
In both dynamics, it is the graced encounter which leads to a real and authentic living out of
our Christian faith.
What is this new dynamic that takes place when we come together in his name? It means
that the Christ within you, meets the Christ within me. In Pope Francis’ call for synodality
within the Church, he is reminding that each of us have a role to play as the “people of God”,
when we share our gifts. Being human, however, we have a real but limited experience in our
encounter with Christ. When we come together, then the “whole Christ” is able to be
present. Through the Holy Spirit guiding us, we participate in bringing about the “kingdom of
God on earth as it is in heaven.”
• How would you describe your Christian experience?
• Have you come to a personal encounter with Christ first through community?
• Have you come to community first through your encounter with Christ?
O God, help me recognize the Christ within my brothers and sisters.