A Community Formed by Rigors

Jesus

Always, we were on the move, with little time to serve personal needs. All of this formed my little company of disciples. The deprivations demanded by this constant traveling bonded them together in the spirit of sacrifice.

We were isolated from others, not by any walls, but by the very harshness of the demands. Many would follow us closely for a while and enjoy the gift of our community, but only a few saw it in their heart to continue with us day after day.

So, without much direct effort, the community of my apostles and disciples was formed by the very rigors of this life of being a traveling preacher. How I appreciated their daily sacrifices and how I rejoiced in their companionship. They were my buffer and my consolation because each day I had to start anew, going to another village and proclaiming the kingdom to people who had never seen me. These disciples were my great inner joy.