This weekend I was lucky enough to participate in my parish's eleventh Koinonia retreat. "Koinonia" is a Greek word that means "community." Those who are interested gather together on Friday evening, all day on Saturday, and Sunday until done. Together we "die" to self on Friday, "rise" on Saturday, "go" on Sunday to spread the Word, and, at the end of the day, separate to once again join the real world on the "Fourth Day." Koinonia is a weekend full of testimonies, fellowship, the Holy Spirit, tears, laughter, renewal of the sacraments, song, rejoicing, bonding, praise and thanks. It gives us an opportunity to understand how our community comes together to form one body in Christ, to lean on each other in times of need, to acknowledge our many blessings, and to learn how we can minister to one another, our brothers and sisters in Christ. There are no words to describe the power the weekend holds, and the blessing it is for those who are called to participate. This was my seventh Koinonia weekend, and, as usual, I am reflecting back over the retreat and meditating on what I was shown. I think this passage from Romans sums it up:
For by the grace given to me I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than one ought to think, but to think soberly, each according to the measure of faith that God has apportioned. For as in one body we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith; if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. Bless those who persecute (you), bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, on your part, live at peace with all. Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." Rather, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head." Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good. - Romans 12:1-21.
Thanks be to God.
