greet one another

I confess that when I read the New Testament, it often makes me feel very uncomfortable. 

I struggle with instructions that sometimes seem unkind. I find myself wishing that it was written in a nearer era, and perhaps with more perfect, less relatable characters. I occasionally wince at the simultaneously confident yet shaking ways of Peter and the passionate tone of Paul.

And yet, I am totally disarmed by the last chapter of Romans. 

“Greet Mary, who has worked very hard among you. Greet Andonicus and Junia, my relatives who were in prison with me; they are prominent among the apostles.Greet Urbanus, our coworker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. Greet my relative Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Pryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; and greet his mother - a mother in me also. Greet Asyncitus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who are with them. Greet Philogus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. (Rom 16:6-15)”

I love that Paul seems to remember every Christian he encountered in this community. I love that he writes their names. I love that he has a gentle word of affirmation for each of them.

I try to imagine a community today that was so bound by love that this deep intimacy and strong communal bonds was present in everything they did. I try to imagine a people of God whose fellowship was so strong that even a visiting apostle would remember the names of members so geographically distant. I try to imagine this community, which has clearly become a family.

And I try to imagine what a letter to this community would look like.

“Greet Sara, who has worked very hard among you. Greet Millie and Austin and Sydney, who continuously pour out their entire hearts for this community. Greet Allison, and thank her for her gentle spark. Greet Samantha, whose faith and smile are strong. Greet Zack and Olivia and Flower and Faith, whose souls are lit with a fire for justice. Greet Evo and Jason and thank them for their fellowship. Greet Aziza, who speaks words of the Spirit. Greet Reenard and Caleb and Charis, and thank them for the vibrant life I know they are bringing to this community. Greet beloved Jessica, who labors with love. Greet Derek and Ryan, and thank them for their great gift of joy. Greet Mat and Neil and Sarah and Mandy and Michael, and thank them for their wonderful sacred art. Greet Savvy and Jenny and the younger Sydney and thank them for their insight, and greet Kateri and Autumn and Agape and thank them for their big hearts. Greet Maddie and Amber and Kayla, and thank them for the bright light in their souls, the light they so generously share with us. Greet Ty and Lauren and Andrew, who hold this church up. Greet Marcus, and thank him for the depth of his spirit. Greet Brianna, who sees with great love. Greet Kyra, who touches with every word she speaks. Greet Emily and Grace and thank them for their gentle presence. Greet David, who gives his strength to others. Send greetings to Kirsten and Emily, and wish them well with deep love.Greet Haley, who will bless you with her courage and wisdom. My strongest regards for Gabi and Theo and Carlie and Troi and Maddy, who have done God’s will and have now parted to do more. And greet Derrick and thank him for his leadership, for his work that is truly the work of God.”

This is the Church we are called to be. This is the love God wants to flow through us. This is the friendship that is present among us, and that our God wants to grow stronger still. May we be this community. May we become this community. And, like the Romans, may our love bring knowledge of the God who tends the garden of grace among us.