Welcome Home

Welcome Home

After a great number of years in ordained ministry, it is a welcome impetus to view so many souls coming to church during Lent, and most especially on Ash Wednesday.  There might be some who would counter that with comments like; “they only make certain to get those ashes and perhaps come to Mass for a while, but in time this attraction wears off.”

Today, Ash Wednesday, there were quite a lot of people there for ashes, which is normal.  Unfortunately, after the large crowd received ashes it was noticeable that when communion time rolled around the once large crowd had diminished from what was there for ashes.  Again, we won’t make judgements on those who left after the distribution of ashes.  At least those who left early did adhere to the fact they are Catholic, if nominal but there.  Maybe they will be there for Easter! 

Yes, the crowds make sure to receive sacramentals and it could be true that a certain number wait until Easter to return, completing the requirement of receiving the Eucharist once a year.  Isn’t it a wonderful picture when the doors are open at the church.  It is assuring that there is enough space for all those returning, perhaps after a year or more, back to the sacraments. 

One of the healthy responses during homilies at Easter is; “For those who have been away for a while, we welcome you back as if you never were away.  This is your house where your presence is always welcomed. “ 

Jesus didn’t need to go searching for souls as if they were hiding from him.  He found them where they were and never condemned even one, like those who rejected him.  If they needed his forgiveness, which were many, he never condemned them.  He even carried that scenario to the cross still never condemning then but asking his Father to forgive them.

My most recent article titled “Jesus, Friend of Sinners,”  his words I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”  And the church is not a sanctuary for saints it is a haven for sinners.  In today’s society with so much anti-God attitudes, the church is still the only place where we are welcomed when we sin.  How disappointing it has become when those who sin, and there are very few who don’t, choose to stay away the very element that Christ offers to the sick.  

Becoming modern in the time of history that we are a viable part of, do not ignore the past of the Church with all its Dogmas and grace so generously given us by God.  

Ralph B. Hathaway