People naturally sense who is in their families. Some of the connections are known and understood. The fact that a baby knows the voice and smell of his or her mother makes sense. What connects the broader community is less tangible. Are we merely responding to an innate sense of familiarity? Is the connection something that comes with proximity? Does the shared experience of walking life’s path create a bond beyond understanding? Whatever it is, the bond is something that one responds to and naturally protects.
I find myself reflecting on this connection every time I come back to India, especially the south. There is something mysterious that transcends the smells, traffic, and differences between India and England or India and America. The “something” that exists appears when I am here in a sense of compassionate caring for those that are family, very similar to the experience that I have when I am with my family, brothers, and parents.
I often wondered how to articulate what it is that one feels. I found myself between the lines of John’s words.
“Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard John's witness and followed Jesus. The first thing he did after finding where Jesus lived was find his own brother, Simon, telling him, “We've found the Messiah” (that is, “Christ”).” (John 1.40, 41)
Andrew did something that I find compelling and unanswerable. Not only did he sense the connection with his community he did something concrete about it based on a shared journey. As I gave out over Chennai in the hazy sunlight I wonder how far I am willing to go. Do I have a shared language that gives me the insight and access to the quests of those I care for? Will the trust that binds us together gives us the language and respect to talk about what is truly critical?
The questions only find their answers in action. You and I are called to act – not tomorrow or at some point in the future. The call is for now, today, this moment.
