FELLOWSHIP, COMPANIONSHIP, COMMUNION, FRIENDSHIP
“What we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing this so that our joy may be complete.” – John 1:3-4
During this season of gathering, sharing stories of our lives recent and old is one way in which we commonly connect. We share what we have seen and heard, what we have experienced, where our hearts are or have been. Sometimes these stories are filled with joy, sometimes sorrow, sometimes heartache, sometimes laughter. This reminds me of what John is doing in the first reading today. He acknowledges that sharing what he has seen and heard is focused on creating fellowship. When I look up synonyms of fellowship, I’m surprised at the intimacy that is evoked: companionship, communion, friendship, camaraderie…
In reflecting on my past year, I realize that it has been filled with fellowship in ways I did not expect. Given that I associate fellowship as a positive experience, going through two rounds of layoffs at work was an unlikely place to find it. The uncertainty, sadness, loss, and anger associated with losing so many colleagues were at times all consuming. While answers never really came to ease concerns, the connection and companionship many of us forged by sharing our fears, our thoughts, concerns, and experiences came as an unexpected gift. It was a welcome reminder that connection or “fellowship” can be forged through hardship as well. Through experiences in which we are willing to share and listen in honest, vulnerable ways.
In today’s Gospel, the second disciple, many believe to be John, “saw and believed” after entering Jesus’ tomb. Seeing in this account could be interpreted as literally “seeing” but what if instead we interpreted “seeing” as understanding, realizing, comprehending? Such a perspective may beg a deeper ask of us. To not only look and listen with eyes but with our hearts as well. As I reflect on my last year, share and listen with others, and prepare myself for 2025, perhaps my invitation is to stay grounded in this pathway to joy. To share, create, and invite fellowship with others and with God.
How are you being invited to create fellowship, to see and believe?
Joan Ervin