You are not meant to be a Lone Ranger

They came away with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him

It’s easy to see St. Paul as a “lone ranger” hiking alone down Roman roads, single-handedly establishing new churches.   Today’s first reading (Acts 17:15) might even cement that image in our minds, as Paul goes into Athens on his own to preach—except for the fact that he’s eagerly awaiting Silas and Timothy’s arrival.   In reality, the picture of a lone, independent St. Paul is far from the truth.

From his conversion onward, Paul tried to surround himself with believers who supported him.   Some of their names are familiar to us:   Barnabas, Titus, Luke, Priscilla and Aquila.   Others are not so well known:   Sopater, Gaius, and Sosthenes.   At one time or another, these brave men and women (and more) accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys.   They proclaimed God’s word alongside him (Acts 13:5).   They comforted him when he was crestfallen (2 Corinthians 7:6).   And they energized him with their witness (Philippians 2:20).   What’s more, most of Paul’s letters were works of collaboration, written with coworkers in ministry.

Far from being a lone ranger, Paul was a team player who saw the value in community.   Consider one of the metaphors that Paul used to describe the Church:   a body composed of many members, each of which was vital to the body’s functioning (1 Corinthians 12:12).

If Paul needed a community of believers shoring him up, so do we!

Are you a part of a group of other Christians who help support you in your faith?   Maybe you’re involved in a parish renewal organization.   Or perhaps you serve beside other Catholics in your community.   If so, that’s great.   Is there any way you can strengthen these relationships?   Perhaps you could set up a monthly lunch gathering or start a text message thread devoted to praying for each other’s petitions.   Or maybe you can just simply express how much they mean to you.

If you don’t belong to a group like this, how about looking to join one?   You might start by looking at your church bulletin for a listing of existing groups.   And you can always ask the Lord to open doors of friendship for you.   Remember, you are not meant to be a lone ranger.   You are a member of the body of Christ.

Word Among Us