Contemplate with Deacon Nate: Christian Fellowship

"No man is an island, entire of itself". This famous line from a poem by the English Catholic poet John Donne means that all of humanity is interconnected. This idea is scriptural, e.g. think of Paul's description of the Church as the Body of Christ with Christ as the head. It is vital for Christians to gather together in fellowship to strengthen their unity with one another and with Jesus. The author of Hebrews says, "We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near" (10:24-25). The personal relationship that we each have with Jesus is strengthened whenever we have fellowship with others who love him.


In the New Testament, the Greek word "koinonia" is translated as fellowship. This word means more than simply ‘being’ together; it also means actively ‘doing’ God's will together. The Church can be compared to an orchestra playing a symphony. We are each called to join with other Christians at various times and places to play beautiful symphonies for the Lord. One cannot create the harmony of the symphony all alone by oneself! The most important "symphony" we play together as Catholics is the Holy Mass. What other "symphonies" i.e. fellowship activities might the Lord be calling you to?

Fellowship enables us to discover and use our spiritual gifts. Every Christian is given unique gifts called "charisms" which are meant for the building up of others. To continue the musical analogy, the charisms are like unique musical instruments used in a symphony. Paul refers to these charisms when he says, "To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit" (1 Cor. 12:4-7). We cannot discover what our charisms are, or where God wants us to use them, unless we join with others in fellowship activities.
  
Of course, the greatest way to build fellowship is to pray together, especially at Mass. As we grow closer to the Lord in prayer, we necessarily grow closer to one another. Think of two disciples coming from different places, but both walking towards Jesus. As they get closer to Jesus, they necessarily get closer to one another. Whenever we pray together, we grow closer not only to God but also to each other. I’m sure the main reason my family is so tight is because of all the prayer we had together. Growing up, we would not only pray before meals, but every Sunday we would attend Mass together and pray the Rosary together. Sometimes we attended prayer meetings together. At Christmas, the advent wreath and the Jesse tree were fun prayer traditions. As a family, we would have a "Lord's Day" celebration before every Saturday supper, a short but beautiful Christian prayer ceremony based on the Jewish Sabbath prayers (You can find it by googling “lord’s day ceremony” and clicking on the 1st or 2nd result). 

At the seminary, I meet with a small men's fellowship group about twice a month. We each share a spiritual struggle, or a grace from God, or both. Then we offer each other spiritual guidance or encouragement. After everyone has shared, we offer to pray with one another for strength, for healing, protection from spiritual attack, or for whatever the Spirit puts on our heart. I often experience God's personal love for me when people pray with me for my specific needs. Do you know of some friends who might be interested in starting a small fellowship group like this one? Ask the Lord about it.

There is a fantastic opportunity for men's fellowship later this month. The very first all-Michigan Catholic men's conference will be held at Eastern Michigan University Convocation Center on Saturday June 26th from 9am-4:30pm. It is called “Doing all things in Christ: tapping into Real Power in a Power Hungry World”. The day includes talks by dynamic speakers including Curtis Martin (founder of FOCUS ministry), Matthew Kelly (best-selling author and speaker), Fr. John Riccardo (radio host of "Christ is the Answer"), Fr. Stan Fortuna, Danny Abramowicz, and Bishop Earl Boyea. There will be Mass and the opportunity to go to confession. I have been to men's conferences in the Saginaw diocese and in the Detroit Archdiocese, and they are a powerful way to experience fellowship and to encounter the Lord, believe me! This is a great thing for fathers and sons to do together. Also, consider inviting someone who needs a boost in their faith, or who hasn’t any faith. Our parish may possibly have a carpool; if interested, please contact the parish office. You can register at ChristsChosen.com or by calling Eastern Michigan University. 

“Lord Jesus, please show us how to grow in fellowship with one another, so that we might grow closer to you and experience your love in new and deeper ways. Give us more of your Holy Spirit, the source of all unity. Amen!”