I had the privilege of attending a wedding a couple of weeks ago in Summit, NJ. Two of my old community members (from different years) got married in an unbelievably beautiful and heartfelt ceremony. Needless to say, it was a weekend for the books!
What stands out to me the most, however, was the community present. When I was in school, I lived in three separate communities over the course of three years. We would pray, laugh, cry, fight and even prank one another on a daily basis. It was a ministry to our peers, but it was also an opportunity to build authentic communion with one another and bring the love of Christ we experienced, to those we encountered. Seeing and spending time with so many members of my previous communities was nothing short of amazing.
I share this with you because as I sit in my office on a rather warm Johnstown day, I am excited for the time when some of you - the student leaders, students and friends of our program - reunite with old friends after being away from one other; a time when you look back at your involvement in our Campus Ministry community with fondness and gratitude.
I have no doubt that every student, when reconnecting with former classmates, shares great memories and wonderful experiences of their college days. I would say, however, that the connection and authentic communion that is established in Campus Ministry is unique. When you gather regularly to celebrate the Eucharist, you not only celebrate what you believe, but you become a part of that mystery.
Naturally, community develops from communion and even more beautifully, you take an active part in God's authentic love. How else do you expect to bring people closer to God?
To really drive home this point, I'll share one last story. During my first year of ministry, during community prayer, one of my community members related each of us to a piece of glass. He said that we were all cut in different ways and our color was unique to who we are. Some of us had weak spots in our piece of glass, others were stubborn and refused to break. He would say that living in our community was what bound all of us together, like the metal ribbing found in a stained glass window. Together, our weaknesses and our imperfections seemed less noticeable and definitely less critically important when they were linked together. What really brought about our full potential, however, was the light that showed through and illuminated each piece of glass. When connected, that warmth and light created a complete and unified reflection.
That light is the presence of God, shining through each of us. Together, unified and complete, our community was better able to give witness to God's authentic love. The same is true for all communities, whether they are a parish, a Campus Ministry program, a family or a group of friends. Together, unified and brought to life by the light of Christ, you become more fully alive.
So, who is your community and how are you letting God shine through it? Better yet, what are you doing now to harvest community for the future? Think about it.
Keep relaxing and take some time to enjoy the summer heat! You and your community are in my prayers.
