“Hungry for anything that was nourishing:” peace, community, company, spiritual connection, belonging.

The story with which Zscheile begins Chapter 3 speaks of a person who hungers.  In reality, much of our human initiative, growth, and progress originate with hunger.  Everyone experiences emptiness to be filled or longing that motivates or desire that becomes an engine for change.  I wonder if some form of hunger is always present in every human being and if it is always a potential path to relationship with God.

When I read Melissa’s story, I couldn’t help but think about our plans for an “alternative” worship service that is, at least in part, intended to serve people who haven’t a spiritual home or community.  I believe that many of us are hungry, sometimes in ways we aren’t even aware of.  Our committee engaged in a discussion about whether or not to offer Eucharist at every “alternative” worship:  on the one hand, some expressed a concern that our sacred meal might be “foreign” or “exclusionary” to people unaccustomed to it.  On the other hand, some insisted that it is the very heart of what we have to offer.  Clearly, Zscheile would agree with the latter group.

The description of the Greek word for communion, “koinonia,” as sharing, participation, fellowship, belonging, togetherness, solidarity, unity, reciprocity, mutuality and the   “reconciliation of difference into a common life,” (pp 44-45) certainly described a rich and hearty “meal” for all the hungers we humans suffer.

Another piece of the picture that is challenging to me comes from the ancient story of Israel in the wilderness, trying to find their identity between slave and free.  God gives them laws to govern their lives, ways of justice and mercy.  And then a whole generation passes before they settle in the land that God has promised.  I wonder if a whole generation (or more) of traditional church-goers has to pass away before newness can be received.

Finally, I was captivated by John of Damascus’ term to describe the relational life of the Trinity:  “perichoresis,” which means “circulating around the neighborhood.”  Here is a way of life we might imitate, like Jesus on the road.