Of Bricks and Mortar | | news-journal.com – Longview News-Journal

St. Lukes Parish is found in Church Hill, Maryland. Its parishioners are proud of their church, for its age, its beauty, and for the fellowship shared there.

St. Lukes was founded in 1728 and is constructed of brick. I think of these bricks, and the many country folk who have passed through the doors, sat in the pews, and who have offered up their prayers and worship within the space defined by these bricks. These are surely special bricks, due to the multitude who have silently shared their best and their worst.

When people talk of church, they may be speaking of the tangible structure, the image found on Christmas cards. Or alternatively, they may be speaking of the intangible church; the gathering for sharing a common purpose.

I recall the words of Jesus, that He would rebuild a destroyed church in just three days time. He was speaking of the three days He would spend in the grave, and referring to an intangible church, with its all so real and growing congregation of the faithful.

I ponder the significance of these bricks, the mortar that binds them, and the intangible church.

First, to the bricks. Bricks serve as building blocks; they are sourced from clay, shaped in molds, and fired in furnaces. Although their origin is lowly, their destiny may be highly honorable. Like rocks they are strong, well suited for their purpose and are long lasting. When joined, bricks can build just about anything, from walkways to cathedrals.

I think people are very much like bricks. They too are sourced from humble beginnings.

In his story of creation, Moses equates the origin of people to that of dust. People are shaped by nature and nurture, and the extremes of this life are at times as hot as a furnace. Whats important is less to do with the experiences we have had, and more to do with how we react to them. If we keep focus on our purpose, then chances are good that we may become dependable building blocks and can be of great utility to the builder, our creator, and to each other.

The builder carefully selects his bricks.

Now to the mortar. Mortar serves as glue; it holds things together and permits bricks to take shape. Its the quality of mortar to maintain its adhesion for extended periods of time. Mortar makes bricks functional so to yield the realization of the builders vision. Without mortar, there is just a pile of bricks.

I think mortar may be very much like the Holy Spirit. It is this spirit that draws people, permits them to join, stay together, take shape, and serve the purpose-filled vision of the builder. What is this substance that serves as glue?

I find the Holy Spirit very challenging to conceptualize. Some refer to this spirit as the Holy Ghost. When I think of ghosts, I think of the dead. But my lifes journey has proven to me that our God is a living God. So again, I look to the Word, to help me add shape to this ghost.

The most recurring term found was love.

In Pauls letter to Corinth, he attempted to clarify. I filtered it down to charity the giving of ones self. I think this may be Gods giving of Himself true charity from a true God, to give without reservation, expectation, or limitation.

Other terms found include Wonderful Counselor; Dwelling in us; Working in us; Our peace; Our advocate; Equipping us; Providing us angels; Leading us in the way we should go; Anointing us for service; Giving us revelation knowledge; A rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

So, I found several terms attributable to the Holy Spirit, but I like the simplest one the best. The Holy Spirit is the love of God. And as with people, love cant be seen, but the evidence of loves presence can be very tangible. Although the Holy Ghost is not seen, the evidence of its adhesive qualities is readily apparent.

The intangible church is the result of the adhesion of human spirits by the love of God. The tangible church is the bricks held together by the mortar consistent with the vision and purpose of the builder.

What is that purpose? The answer I found in St. Matthews gospel, For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them. I am. The great I Am found in the midst of those who gather. That is the purpose for the mortar to bind the bricks.

In my family, the members are held together by a strong matriarch. Initially it was my great-grandmother, then it was my grandmother who served as the glue, and now it has passed to my mother. When cupboards were empty, and when cupboards were full. Through global events and personal tragedies. I thank God for the glue that holds families together, and for the mortar that binds bricks allowing churches to stand for hundreds of years so that thousands of people may share the presence of the great I Am.

The beauty and longevity of assembled bricks is due to the adhesive quality of the mortar. Just as the shape, strength, and longevity of human relationships is due to the love that holds them together. Perhaps all people should work towards becoming chosen bricks. And to look for the mortar that binds for purpose.

Bobby Gallion grew up in the northern part of Queen Annes County, attended schools there and has been a parishioner at St. Lukes for 30 years.

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Of Bricks and Mortar | | news-journal.com - Longview News-Journal