Gathered and Sent

Newsflash: The word “synagogue” has its roots in the Greek word that means “gathered.” Synagogues became life-giving places of sanctuary for those practicing the Hebrew faith as its practitioners became widely scattered across the Middle East, and particularly after the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple. The word “church” has its roots in the Greek word ecclesia, which means “sent out.” The practice of faith via religion requires a balance of these two: gathering and sending. If today’s church spent and focused as much of its time, talent, energy, and possessions on being sent out (“blessed, broken and shared” to use the language of Eucharist) as it does on being gathered (secure, protected, and perpetuated) the world would be a much healthier and holier place. Just sayin’.