Sunday, February 17, 2008

The Gift of Community

This morning I found this picture to be a most delightful reminder of who we are and how we are to behave as a loving family of God. Kids have a way of letting us know how to love and share the love. I "love" the child in the pew in front of me, who dares me to smile at her and then when I do I am rewarded with that gorgeous grin! A distraction, maybe, but God's love is personified non-the-less. The picture accompanies a very good reflection and so it is that I share it with you.

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Consider Yourself At Home

A big part of Sunday is going to a building without a second floor. There may be a balcony or a choir loft, but basically the ground floor of the church is the only floor. The altar and pulpit are elevated so people can see, but other than that it is a prairie.

This has ramifications for community. The shopping-bag lady and the real estate man and the cop in uniform and the blind guy who everybody helps to Communion and you...all stand and kneel and sit next to each other--as if we had something in common. On Sunday you know you belong. You might not be happy with those to whom you belong, but you are not in the Lost and Found department. An entire group of motley people has arrived with a claim check.

The first Easter brought back the disbanded. They of the fast footed fear were overtaken by the Hurrying One. And everyone was welcomed, a boundless hospitality with bread and wine for all. Sunday is solidarity even after we have been lost or have run away or just have been gone too long for reasons we can no longer remember. Sunday is the day we know there is nothing between us but the walls we build.
John Shae

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Sunday, that Holy Event!!!
Thanks be to God!!!!!

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Aside: Word of the Day (sent to me by a friend): "Frisbeetarianism is the belief that when you die, your soul goes up on the roof and gets stuck." -- George Carlin (1937- )

8 comments:

  1. Wonderful post Cathy! I have to admit to being distracted by the little children that go to Mass. They are just so lovable.

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  2. I agree and sometimes I think many people are a little too hard on Mothers who go to Mass with their children. Not all children are going to be angelic during Mass...I dont like to see folks throwing these mothers dirty looks because their children maybe making a bit of noise.

    A little bit of patience never goes astray and many mothers also need a kind word and a helping hand.

    Excellent piece Cathy:)

    Peace to you:)

    Marie

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  3. I think Jesus is in the children and in the places we don't expect Him to be. Thank you.

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  4. Hi Cathy! Thanks for that tag, but I'm not sure I could do it! I don't know if I could answer all the questions!

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  5. I really like the "Consider Yourself at Home" article. It's so true; we may be a motley crew, but we do have so much in common!

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  6. I remember as a child attending mass, the adults would always tell us to make sure we face the altar at all times. But I thought, it was kind of interesting to know who else was there. And I found it most curious that I wasn't allowed to even acknowledge a friend who was hearing mass at the same time. And that's when I'd start having my private conversations with God, asking Him this and that, and why the adults are like that and would ask him that I don't turn out to be like them when I grow up :-)

    joy
    A Pinay In England
    Your Love Coach
    The Goddess In You
    Norwich Daily Photo

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  7. Love your post!! Thanks for sharing.

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  8. This reflection puts into words something I've often thought about whilst at Mass. Especially when we've been some time in a parish and have got to know quite a few people, it's fascinating to realise that each one, no matter what their walk in life, no matter the burden of their particular cross or the fatness of their wallet, they come as one, as equals, as sinners before Our Lord and Master. And yet this thought does not lead to smugness - but rather to joy in the knowledge of the Spirit working among us all.

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Your insightful comments are appreciated and I want all to feel comfortable and welcome.