27 Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you want?” or, “Why are you speaking with her?” 28 Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, 29 “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah,[e] can he?” 30 They left the city and were on their way to him.
Recently I was talking with our music minister and he asked a GREAT question, "What made you fall in love with the church?" What/when was that moment that sent a chill sensation down your spine or goose bumps on your arms or the tiny hairs on your neck to stand on end? Maybe it was singing "Joy to the World" on Christmas Eve drenched in candle light or maybe it was "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" with brass blaring and you sang out with more gusto than you ever had. Maybe it was an ordinary day when a church member asked how you were doing and you told the person you were having a rotten day, and the person listened to you! Maybe it was the soup or Jell-O salad they brought when your mom died or the hug you receive every Sunday.
The story of the church is a love story; a story of God's love incarnate in Jesus and in us as the living the body of Christ today. Since it is almost Valentine's Day, it is good to remind ourselves the truth about love. Love is patient and kind, according to 1 Corinthians 13. Love forgives and seeks reconciliation when wronged. Love is prayerful and persistent. Love is playful. Love does not always look like the Twilight series, it is not always intense or passionate or send chills down your spine. Sometimes love is washing dishes and seeing the hope/peace/joy in the mundane of life.
The story of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman is a love story of sorts. She falls in love with the truth and promise that she is a beloved child of God. Maybe this was the first time, or maybe it was the hundredth time. She realizes she is no longer defined or confined by societal roles or debates about where to worship. She is drenched in the bright light of God's love.
We need moments like that and we need moments to remember why, when, where, and how you fell in love with the church. Was it the liturgy or hymns? Was it a sermon? Was it the caring hug or note you received that strangely warmed your heart?
When and why did you fall in love with the church? As you prayerfully ponder that question, may the traces of God's grace stir with love around you.
Blessings ~
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