Marriage & Family Life: We are made for community

by Adam Storey | January 26, 2022

I recently had a conversation with my dad and brothers about ways to support each other in the spiritual life.

Reflecting on the conversation reminded me of how blessed I am to have a family that supports me in my faith. It made me think of all the other communities of support in my life, and it led me to reflect on the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, which we celebrate on Jan. 25.

St. Paul is one of the greatest saints in our Catholic tradition, he was an apostle, an author of Sacred Scripture, and perhaps the greatest missionary the Church has ever known. We also know that before he embraced the faith he tried to destroy it, which makes his conversion all the more remarkable.

But today, what most resonates with me about St. Paul’s conversion is the fact that it wasn’t an isolated experience, but it involved a community of believers.

St. Paul’s conversion involved St. Stephen’s prayers, and Ananias’ support, and immediately following his conversion he surrounded himself with the Christian community in Damascus. From that moment forward, as St. Paul went about the work of God he was constantly accompanied and supported by others.

If St. Paul’s conversion and life of faith involved a community, so too should ours!

We are made for community, and so without people around us to encourage us, celebrate with us, and even challenge us, our faith will soon become lukewarm.

As we celebrate and reflect on St. Paul’s conversion, I think it’s valuable to ask ourselves who are the people in our lives that help us grow in our faith?

Where do I go when I need to be encouraged, strengthened, and held accountable?

As we celebrate and reflect on St. Paul’s conversion, let’s all make a commitment to deepen our communal roots. To seek out and connect with those who help us grow in faith, and to be a place of support for others.

If community was necessary for St. Paul, it’s necessary for us!