Why are we here?

Pastor Eileen, March 2009 Messenger.

On our vacation last autumn my son and I spent a spirit-renewing day on the peaceful “Holy Isle” of Iona.

Iona is a tiny and beautiful Hebridean island off the west coast of Scotland. It is the cradle of Christianity in Scotland, where in 563 Saint Columba (Collumkille) established a monastic settlement that evangelized large parts of Scotland and the north of England and became an important center of European Christianity.

In the twelfth century, Iona became the site of a Benedictine abbey, and over the centuries it has attracted many thousands of people on their own pilgrim journeys.

In 1938 George MacLeod established the Iona Community, an ecumenical Christian community of men and women from different walks of life and different traditions in the Church, all committed to seeking new ways of living the gospel in today’s world.

In recent years the Benedictine abbey church, which long lay in ruins, was rebuilt and the interior refurnished. When it came time to prepare the eight Holy Communion patens (bread plates), it was suggested that an appropriate verse of scripture be carved around the rim of each one. When seven verses had been selected and only one remained to be chosen, the supervising architect was asked to make a suggestion. Modestly, he contributed this: “Friend, wherefore art thou come?”

Do you remember the source of this question? It is recorded in Matthew 26:50 (King James Version). Judas is leading the band of soldiers into the Garden of Gethsemane, just before Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. The betrayer directs them to seize the man he will kiss. Then Jesus looks at Judas, calls him “friend” and asks, “Why are you here?”

As communicants in the abbey church of Iona partake of Holy Communion, they are confronted by this searching question: “Friend, wherefore art thou come?”

The ancient Church designated the forty days before Easter as Lent, a time for self-examination. “Why are you here?” is a question we might well ask ourselves about all aspects of our lives in this Lenten period.

Why are we here—with Christ? Let it be because we love him.

Why are we here— in this church? Let it be because we feel the need of Christ’s grace.

Why are we here—in this world? Let it be because we want to share with others the love, grace, and peace we receive from our Lord and Savior.

Why are you here? As you search your soul for answers this Lent, may you find only Christ’s love for you, and yours for him.