How do we become "church?"

A meditation from the Rev. Dr. Michael Battle of CREDO:

"Do not fear what you are about to suffer." --Revelation 2:10

In Lent, it is important to reflect upon deep things such as the meaning of the church.

Some think the church is something you go to. Others picture a building. And yet, others think of a denomination or a time on Sunday morning.

As we wade through Lent, a better definition of the church is this: A community of all persons who reflect God's reign on earth. We see these reflections through a smile, random acts of kindness, wellness, and of course, much more. In this respect, we know God's reign when we see it. Becoming a person under God's reign, however, entails a purgative process of becoming more and more of who you are. The more mature we become, the more we see who we are in the light of God. When such light burns, do not turn away. Let it burn the scales from your eyes. Like metal refined in fire, take courage in your suffering to know that God is shaping you to be marvelously made to reflect heaven on earth.

Let us pray,
O God, the maker of heaven and earth, you gave your venerable servant, the holy and gentle Polycarp, boldness to confess Jesus Christ as King and Savior, and steadfastness to die for his faith; Give us grace, following his example, to share the cup of Christ and rise to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.