The Joy of Belonging
The Christian is a citizen of the church universal. While we delight in the uniqueness of each individual, our deepest joy is to be part of the community that Christ embraces as his Own body.
Invited to his marriage yet to be, we partake of his body and blood. And at these sacred moments, it is enough just to stand around, passing the peace for which the world yearns, being the church adorned as a bride awaiting her divine Lover.
—W. Paul Jones, The Art of Spiritual Direction
As followers of Christ, we are not just individual souls on private journeys—we are part of something far bigger: the church universal, the very body of Christ. W. Paul Jones reminds us that while our uniqueness is sacred, our deepest joy is found in community, in belonging to a people loved and embraced by Jesus. We are the Church—called, gathered, and adorned like a bride, waiting in hope for her Bridegroom.
In sacred moments—at the table, in worship, in fellowship—we don’t have to do much to be faithful. Sometimes it is enough simply to be—to stand together, pass peace, and reflect the unity the world so desperately longs for. In a world marked by division and isolation, the Church offers a glimpse of another way: a belonging that is eternal, a love that is communal, and a hope that is shared. Today, rest in the joy of being part of Christ’s body. You belong. —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics