http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/Qumran_Caves.jpg

Today we visit Qumran, the site of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. This is a site of an ancient Jewish community, probably Essenes. The discovery of their library of Old Testament manuscripts and documents relevant to community life and worship have advanced our understanding of Scripture and the context of the early church. These documents tell scholars a lot, but as pilgrims we discover something different. We discover community. We live not to ourselves or worship alone. We were created in our very essence for community. We worship, pray, grow in knowledge, and journey in faith together. Just like those 1st century Essenes, faith is about living together in community.

As you pray today, remember that we are created for each other, not them created for us. We live, love, and serve together. Pray for guidance – how can you live fully in this community of faith?