Finding happiness 3: Belonging

Imagine it is the first century B.C.. The Maccabbean revolt has ended. Our forefathers lived through the Hasmonean dynasty. Rome defeated the Greeks in Egypt and has become the great power of the west. It is now the time of Herod’s rule. 

A Messiah, an anointed one, is to come. More than a king, this one would bring His people to salvation. The prophets spoke of Him. The law of Moses taught us how to remain God’s people; to be prepared for the Christ. Hermits live in caves on the Holy Mount praying for the birth of the mother of the Messiah who will bring this Savior to us.

Rabbis come, rabbis go. We seek a teacher with an inspired tongue, one who imparts profound wisdom that mesmerizes the soul. When such a teacher is found, we belong to him. We become His qahal, a people who through this rabbi come into relationship with God. 

“Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:68-69)
 

Rabbis come, rabbis go. But one has arrived that is different. Moved in a way never before experienced, His wisdom has the effect of melting the soul. Going about our daily duties, we talk about Him while working side-by-side on the fishing boats; we reflect upon His words as money is exchanged in payment of the tax. The truth spoken by this rabbi is different. We begin to understand as God sees, and reform our lives.

We become His. It is more than merely following a thought-provoking teacher. Yes, His words do convict us in our ways. But they also impart a sense of love that is new to us. There is a mystery in following this rabbi which we have not experienced before. Our faith is becoming alive to us.

We grow together in a real spiritual communion. Through Him, in Him and with Him, we are one. We are the qahal of Jesus. Belonging to Him is different; much more than following a wise man. Our faith transcends dimensions and is more fully lived. 

We must have a common prayer, one specifically created for and prayed only by us. It holds us in this spiritual communion. This is the way of a qahal. The master guides them in their common prayer that binds them to Him and to one another. So we ask: 

‘Lord, teach us to pray.’ (Luke 11:1)

And He gives us this prayer:

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread;

and forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors;

and do not subject us to the final test,

but deliver us from the evil one.

(Matthew 6:9-13)

We are the qahal of Jesus the Christ. This prayer, now known as the “Our Father” is more than simply the “prayer that Jesus gave us”. It signifies us as belonging to Him.

It identifies us. 

We are His.

 (Keep an eye out for our next post from Belonging: An Invitation to Happiness for Millennial Catholics)