Together in Spirit

Browsing From the Desk of Fr. Mike

The Promise of God

A headline from the Associated Press on Tuesday, November 29, 2022: “Census: Christians a minority in England; non-religious grow”.  The lead sentence of the article reads: “Fewer than half the people in England and Wales consider themselves Christian, according to the most recent census — the first time the country's official religion has been followed by a minority of the population.”  Presently the Christian affiliated population in the United States is estimated to be about 63% of the population. These pieces of information can seem daunting or troubling for those who continue to practice the Christian faith.

Most of us find consolation in those moments when the church building seems filled to the brim with worshippers. At Christmas and Easter, we get excited about the large crowd present for that moment and in almost the same breath lament that in the Sundays that follow there will be fewer and fewer people present. Those large crowds lift us up because they affirm our faith and commitment by making the worship moment seem like it is a very important experience. It is much the same when going to concerts or sporting events. The larger the crowd, the more monumental the event seems. When we are one of the few who are in attendance, we can find ourselves wondering if there is in fact value in what we are doing. Human nature is such that we are sensitive to the vagaries of others: if others value something, then we find ourselves valuing it. 

Isaiah prophecies a wonderful day when “the root of Jesse, set up as a signal for the nations, the Gentiles shall seek out, for his dwelling shall be glorious”.  It will be a day when One will come from the stump of Jesse who will be filled with God’s Spirit, and through him the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of God. In this prophecy the value comes from God who is restoring all things through His chosen One. It doesn’t matter how many or how few recognize the value (As John the Baptist points out in his response to the pharisees: “For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones”.)

In this post-Christian world, the promise of God, which we experience in the Eucharistic gathering continues to be extended. Remember where its value is centered: In the One who is promised. The numbers do not matter, the One who is the promised One of God is all that matters. We who are believers have much to offer to the gentiles of our day. 

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