I have a question for teenagers in the congregation. Who’s in a sport or activity currently? [Have them raise their hands]. What activity are you in? [Elicit responses and I choose one person]
Can you just show up at the first meet/match and perform well? [Discuss importance of training, practicing, focusing] I assume that is the same for any of us here . . . if we want to succeed in anything, it takes time.
Here’s another question for all of you? Have you ever wanted to shed a few pounds? If you have, raise your hand. [Invite people to raise their hands] I am the same. It’s rare (maybe impossible) for someone to simply “want” to lose a few pounds and it automatically happens. No, it takes some focus on eating less and/or eating better foods.
Same thing with being fit or “in shape” . . . we can’t simple “will ourselves” to do so. If you want to get in shape, you will have to do something . . . walk, bike, stretch, lift weights. We need to put in the time to get results. I strive for that. I try to do something every day, even if it is simply to stretch or do a few push-ups . . . it is about making the effort.
It is the same thing with your relationship with God. We can’t just “will it” to happen. For example saying, “I want to be closer to God” and then poof it occurs. Of course there might be glimmers of that nice “presence of God” but for it to be lasting and enduring, we need to keep working at it.
A deep and solid relationship with God takes work and time. Too often we neglect God until there is a crisis . . . and then we complain, how come I don’t feel your presence? It would be like running a marathon without any preparation or work. And simply showing up on the big day and after a few miles getting a cramp or falling down exhausted . . . and then complaining, “How could you do this to me God? I want to be a marathon runner.”
Hello. Put the time in. Put the effort in. If you want to be closer to God, decide to do something every day. If you have been attending to your Lenten observance . . . keep going. If you have slacked. . . . get right back in there.
We, as Church, have offered these “Help Stations” all through Lent . . . for example a different focus to start each Sunday Mass, special Lenten books for you, weekly Stations of the Cross, 2 Reconciliation Service, Bible studies, book groups, Women’s Retreat, Youth retreat (happening this weekend), Men’s Group and Men’s Casino Night.
And now as we shift into the holiest week of the year, we have even more services for you . . . to help you become closer to God:
Holy Thursday, 7PM on Thursday, South, with washing of feet and ending the night in darkness and silence as we strip away the sanctuary.
Good Friday, 12 NOON, Friday, North with John’s version of the Passion, veneration of the cross, special prayers
Tenebrae Service, 7PM, Friday, North, which is a completely different service than the noon service. Here we focus on darkness and light as we extinguish candles until we are in complete darkness. We hear of Jesus’s saving role in our lives. There will be veneration of the cross.
Easter Vigil, 8PM Saturday, South is the BIG service of the year. When we hold vigil candles, hear how God has worked throughout history to be with us. And we welcome five adults to become Catholic as they are initiated and confirmed. After the service, there is a lavish celebration in St. Pius Hall.
Easter Morning, 8:30 and 10:30AM, North, are our big celebrations of God breaking into our lives with newness and life. We begin our wonderful tradition of getting sprinkled for the next 50 days, remembering our own baptisms.
So we have opportunities for you . . . to feel, taste, sing, hear and know how much God wants to be close to you. Are you willing to put in some time . . . to get closer to God?