embracing
[my year in review station 16]
Read the words we have often used to describe the mission of our gathering community . . .
The Convergence Community is creating relational space to EMBRACE STORY, MYSTERY, and COLLABORATION, to live out the Restorative Way of Jesus. We are a simple community trying to shape a life together that makes room for others and an often changing faith.
Notice the Tau cross before you.
Place it around your neck. As you hold the cross, consider it’s meaning. The Tau Cross, or the Saint Francis cross, mimics the silhouette of a monk in their habit (robe) with outstretched arms. This is the posture of embrace that we long to have for self, for one another, for the other, and for God.
To embrace — 1. to take or clasp in the arms; press to the bosom; hug.
2. to take or receive gladly or eagerly; accept willingly: to embrace an idea.
• EMBRACE MYSTERY
In what ways have you embraced a greater sense of Mystery in your life and faith? What value do you see in a community that encourages your embracing of mystery?
• EMBRACE STORY
In what ways have you embraced and framed your life and faith as Story? What value do you see in a community that encourages your embracing of story?
• EMBRACE COLLABORATION
In what ways have you embraced a greater sense of Collaboration in your life and faith? In what ways have you grown to value a greater sense of community in your life? What value do you see in a community that encourages your embracing of collaboration?
Take communion.
“Body broken. Blood poured out.”
Consider God’s great embrace of you. Imagine the embrace. You are received. The Divine’s embrace is freely given — fully given.
Andre Dubus writes, “My belief in the Eucharist (communion) is simple: without touch, God is a monologue, an idea, a philosophy; he must touch and be touched, the tongue on the flesh, and that touch is the result of monologues, the idea, the philosophies which led to faith; but in the instant of the touch there is no place for thinking, for talking; the silent touch affirms all that, and goes deeper . . .”
Now imagine your posture embrace . . . arms open, fully and freely.
