Week 280

Positive post Sunday, July 3, 2022- Week 280.

As I sat down to write my PPS this morning, I started reflecting on my Faith and the value I place on going to “Church” each week. For me, going to church is not an obligation or something I “have to do” each week. I see going to “Mass” as a privilege and opportunity to participate in the sacrament of the Eucharist.

I pray for many things while attending Mass each week, including thanking God for the blessings in my life and asking for his forgiveness for my shortcomings, and there are many of both! I also pray that my family and those close to us, take the same opportunity to attend church each week, not just to “go through the motions”, but to actively participate and support our faith communities. After all, church is not just a building. “We” are the church, and without faithful servants who attend church and participate and lead the many ministries, our faith communities would not exist.

It saddens my heart to see so many of our young adults stray away from church for various reasons. When I hear, “I’m too busy, “I don’t have time”, “I don’t get anything out it”, I can’t help but think, what if Jesus was too busy, didn’t have time for us or felt he didn’t get anything out of being our savior? I’m also reminded of the sayings, “What you put into something, is what you get out of it”, and as St. Francis of Assisi said, “For it is in Giving that we Receive”. Perhaps if we focused more on what we put in and what we give, we would be more fulfilled.

Being an Optimist, I do have hope (and pray) that our youth will find their way back to church, serve in a ministry, and most importantly reenergize their faith. Michael Cochren is an excellent example of a lost soul who was found. He wrote one of my favorite songs, “Church (Take Me Back)”. I encourage you to listen to this song and read the lyrics. Michael’s journey back to the church, his deepened faith and his service to the Lord are profound and inspirational.

Here is a link to the lyrics: https://www.lyricsondemand.com/…/churchtakemebacklyrics….

Here is a link to Michael’s story behind the song: Cochren & Co. – Story Behind “Church (Take Me Back)” – Bing video.

As Michael notes (about church), “It’s not a trophy for the winners, it’s a shelter for the sinners and it’s right where I belong”. I humbly agree.

Do you go to church, a shelter for us sinners, to ask God for forgiveness and thank him for your blessings? If not, pray and ask the Lord to take you back to the place that feels like home, to the people you can depend on!

What songs ground you in your faith, motive or inspire you, or just make you feel good? Listen to them often!