A Sacred Place

A letter from Josué
…for which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifies the gift?
Mathew 23:19b 
My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, may our Lord Jesus Christ comfort your soul and spirit in these difficult times. 
I want to appeal to your memories of a time where you used to bring your children and grandchildren to a place that was safe and holy, where friends and family united as one vessel, where the word of God was being preached. It’s there, where the gift of the Holy Spirit and the communion of the saints and sinners gathered to praise and worship. This place was purchased with a price that came only through your faith and belief in one God, in one baptism, and in one Holy Spirit. You shared your food, your houses, and your finances. You took care of each other’s children, looking out for each other as you met with great joy and love. You prayed for one another, broke bread and visited the sick and dying and shared words of encouragement when one was missing or when a family was in need. You were there and present with a sincere heart and concern. You shared cries and laughter and games with your family and friends. This was a time when you felt so wholesome and connected, loving and being loved. This was a time when you believed that the God you serve is all and all. 
God surely gave us a gift in his son Jesus and He also gave us a gift with each other and friends. It was at the altar that we gave our gifts. And it was in this place that you remembered. You remembered the prayers for one another and the disagreements. You remembered the pain and the loss of loved ones as well as the baptism and joy that come from a family united in Christ. You saw each other face to face, forgiving one another. There were many sleepiness nights and hard work to build a community strong and prosperous. In those days there was also fear of many kinds, yet your faith and love for your community and others diminished that fear. 
It’s this gift that I want to bring to remembrance which makes this so sacred. It is your faith that helps you defeat a lot of adversities and challenges of life. It is your faith that helps you in all that I describe in the latter words. That is what makes this so powerful and special. It’s not so much the church building but the oath that was done in it by the one who created us, making all what we have done for each other so sacred. This place is what we need to bring into the light of each other as we continue in these difficult times, fanning the gifts without fear. Remember that these gifts are sacred and that we are good for each other. This builds the body of Christ. Let’s not forget these sacred gifts that are still part of us. Flame it, use it, and prepare the community that was entrusted to you. 
May God bless us all.

Originally posted on November 1, 2020 at https://diariesofamissiondeveloper.wordpress.com/2020/11/01/sacred-place/