A certain laxness has developed that seems to say that a relationship with God is optional – if I find it convenient, useful, or necessary I want it to be there for me to do what I want done. This is erroneous thinking (at best) and detrimental to one’s growth in grace if not destructive of such growth. If liturgy is a constitutive element of the holy and living Tradition for the Church, so it is for the individual members of the Church. Without participation in the Church’s liturgy, one’s belief is diminished, and one’s relationship with God generally becomes self-serving at best. The way we worship is the way we believe, and the way we believe is the way we act. A foundational teaching of the Catholic Faith is that growth in grace can only occur in a life oriented to God.
The Lenten and Easter seasons are also a wonderful time for Catholics who have fallen away from the Church to reconsider returning to the practice of the Faith with which God blessed them at some point in their lives. Lent is a perfect season to begin this process, and the 50 days of the Easter season are perfect to help build upon that. It has been said that it takes about six weeks to develop a good habit (only about two-three weeks to develop a bad habit). Between Lent and Easter, there are 13-and-a-half weeks to get ourselves back into a solid relationship with God.
God is calling each of us to faithfulness. He calls us to partake of Himself at Mass, and to become better than we could ever do on our own. He is calling YOU. What keeps you from connecting with the God who gave you life, and Who wishes to share His everlasting life and goodness with you? It is easy to begin – simply start coming to Mass (and the sacrament of
Reconciliation if necessary – don’t worry, priests don’t scold anymore).
Liturgy (Mass) is at the heart of our faith lives. Without it we cannot live a life of faith (belief). The way of prayer is the way of belief. It is the only opportunity for each of us to truly become what we are – the Body of Christ.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Reverend Michael Oenbrink
Pastor, St. Francis by the Sea
