As we start off this school year, we are doing it around the theme “Built Up”. It is one that aptly describes the process we, as a school are undertaking soon, but more than that, it is a theme that is found throughout scripture. We can find this theme in many places, but St. Peter uses this imagery to describe us as the church.
In 1 Peter chapter 2, we are called “living stones” and we are told we are being built as a spiritual house. A stone is a powerful image in that stones are great for building, but they also don’t “do” a whole lot. That is to say, one stone, by itself, doesn’t accomplish much, especially in the way of a shelter or house. It only finds its purpose and usefulness when it’s used with other stones.
In order for us to be built up, the Spirit first brings us together, and He does that work here at CLHS in many ways. For me, I see it most prominently in our weekly chapel. That is where we are joined together physically, but there’s more to it than that. It’s there where the living stones come together, and for a few minutes, we can see a few wonderful realities.
It is in that space, and in that context that we hear about what truly unites us: what God has done for us. We are people who were once far off, but there God draws together people of various ages and backgrounds, and for those moments, our voices speak as one. It is in that time that we realize, starkly, we are not alone. We are not a solitary stone–we have a purpose, and a place to belong. If one stone is missing, the whole building is incomplete, so not only are we not alone, but we are each an integral part of what God is doing.
In that space, He is truly at work. He speaks through His word and He reminds us of what He accomplished for us. Every time we hear that, something amazing happens: we are built up, established in our faith, and are roots grow deeper. May God continue to build us up, together.