Ours is not the Fellowship of the Ring but, rather, the Fellowship of the Cross.  We, too, have a purpose to work together in this redemptive emergency for the salvation of the world.  Yes, there will be individual temptations and trials but, in the context of the relationships forged under trying circumstances, there is also the possibility of redemption and true friendships that will last a lifetime.

Or is that only a fantasy of mine?

It’s easy to write beautiful words to describe the fellowship of the cross, the unity of the church, the friendships forged in this band of brothers and sisters following Jesus on the Road to Jerusalem.  But is it true?  Not so sure.