In their wisdom the compilers of the Alternative Prayer Book chose "The Family" as the theme for the 14th Sunday after Pentecost. It describes an attractive and wholesome and homely community who are "knit together in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of Christ". It warns us that we should always be on the alert in our prayers in helping the heavenly Father to preserve His family. Bearing in mind the lovely home at Nazareth we pray "we may so learn to love and live together that we may rejoice as one family in God's heavenly home." A priority in our praying for that to happen is that we ourselves are convinced by the Divine Maker of loving home life.
The point is effectively made in Jerome K. Jerome's play The Passing of the Third Floor Back, about a lodging house in which the guests were in no sense influenced by the family characteristic of sensitive consideration for others! They preferred being critically hateful to each other. Into that unhappy situation The Stranger (figuring The Christ in modern attire) came to reside in a little room at the back of the house. Very soon His powerful, loving presence transformed the other guests into becoming responsible members of a loving family. It speaks well for them that they recognised real love, and had the "guts" to change their ways. (I related that story before. It makes the point effectively.)
Another important factor to keep in mind as we think of the Divine society of the church is that "constant change is here to stay", whether we like it or not. We can see it in earthly families - so why not in God's household?
The church of 60 years ago was different, yet with the same loyalty in its participants. At the time I was serving an apprenticeship in a shop. Never would I forget the example of Jimmy, the porter there. A little man with a ready smile and kind heart, he was an example to all. He was a regular daily communicant at a 6.30 a.m. service. In my mind I can still recall his laugh and sense of fun. He took the joke when we said to him: "What is the destination of next Sunday's Mystery Train Tour?" A striking feature in his life was the fact that he was praying throughout each day of his life for us all. He enjoyed being a good family member.
Little wonder, with such an example in our midst, some of us were called into the ministry of the church family. Jimmy passed through this life and lived in a little back room in a lodging house.
Blest are the pure in heart,
For they shall see our God;
The secret of the Lord is theirs,
Their soul is Christ's abode.
He is the lowly soul
Doth still Himself impart;
And for His dwelling and His throne
Chooseth the pure in heart.
They are mainstays in the Family.