Written and submitted by: Karyn C. Thomas

Psalm 133:1

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.”

Psalm 133:1 tells us “behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.” This scripture celebrates the unity of God’s people and Fitness Sunday was indeed a day to celebrate! It has been over a year since we have worshipped as a parish community. Last year altered our worship routine and changed how we connected with each other. For many of us, May 8, 2020 was the last time that we received communion or shared a cup of coffee in the parish hall.

The pandemic challenged us in ways that we could not have imagined. Some folks suggest that we were tested. Others questioned God’s presence throughout the pandemic. Whatever your experience, as a parish community, St. Ambrosians remained resilient and committed to strengthening our community by staying connected in a variety of ways. We remained obedient to governmental and diocesan mandates knowing that eventually we would ‘dwell in unity’ once again.

So, on Sunday, June 6, the second Sunday of Pentecost, we gathered under the big water oak tree to celebrate Fitness Sunday. Under the tree and beyond, folks gathered in “their family and friend circles” in unity and fellowship.

In his sermon, Father Taylor contextualized the spiritual significance of trees in relation to our ancestral journey, and God’s presence in our lives. His analogy of tree rings and circles drawn from the Gospel reading of Mark 3, assures us that doing the work of the Lord and experiencing personal spiritual growth, unifies us with Jesus and the body of Christ. We are members of Jesus’ ring – Jesus’ circle with him, the disciples and his family. Oh, ‘what a friend we have in Jesus!’

Jesus, his disciples and his family represent circles in our lives and as members of the community of saints, we are members of St. Ambrose’s circle.

Behold, we are one in the body and that is what unites us.