Little fragments of faith

Well, we are at that time of year again when the pews will be filled with CEO’s, those people who only attend mass on Christmas, Easter, and some holy days of Obligation. And the other C (confession) isn’t in their alphabet. Skirts too short, blouses too low, chewing gum, wreaking of alcohol, t-shirts with inappropriate expressions, and yet all jumping into line to receive the Eucharist. Yikes! But I’m reminded God hasn’t put me on the liturgy police squad yet. He wants me to focus on His Son.   

In the not-to-distant past, our country was considered a Christian nation and most people went to Sunday church services. Comparing the past to the present, I think about what that meant spiritually. No matter how poorly disposed to Him all those people were at their church service, they still received at least some graces from God to take out into the world. These are like little fragments of faith. If we could only appreciate the power and benefits experienced in the world when we each bring His graces into it. This despite how badly we live it or how poorly disposed we are to receiving it. God doesn’t depend on us; He’ll make use of us as He sees fit. 

In business leadership, the focus in any organization is put on the A players, first string, the stars who do everything perfect. But there are very few of them. 95% of the organization is made up of the B players, the people who range from barely doing the work to adequate to being very good in their jobs. All are very imperfect. But collectively it is the B players who produce excellence. Unfortunately, most attention is placed upon their imperfections and the perceived need to make them perfect in everything they do. Too little value is given to the good they currently do even if it is only a small amount. No attention is given to how they collectively & perfectly fit into the whole as their weakness is offset by another’s strength. The complementarity of creation by God is everywhere; we are all and always part of that mosaic of His. 

So too it is in the Church. We focus on the imperfections of others in the pew and think up all the things they need to do to become perfect enough to be in His presence. But God has called them to be here, and permitted them to jump in line. 

I’m not saying we should encourage our family and friends estranged from the church to receive the Eucharist in a state of mortal sin. When possible, we should let them know not to receive communion. I am suggesting that if, in mass, our hearts are inflamed with love (as can be the only true reaction to disposing ourselves properly in His presence), we’ll be blinded by love rather than torn by the dilemma; the Holy Spirit will give us speech. Truly in God’s hands.   

Really, we’re all the B players trying to make to 1^st string. We each are a walking fragment of faith bringing His graces into the world. If we could only remember to see each other that way 😊 

For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests.

They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.

His dominion is vast and forever peaceful. (Isaiah 9:5-6)

Merry Christmas everyone 😊

(Image by Reuben-teo via Unsplash)