Author: Wick

Recently I’ve seen the commercials on TV for a (new to me) movement called “Catholics Come Home“.

All the selling for Catholicism instead of Jesus aside, I think it’s good. How many people do we know who used to be very involved in their church? But for whatever reason, they took a break. Maybe they intended to just back away for a few weeks. Maybe just reduce their involvement so they could focus on other areas of life if they were being over-used by the local church body, etc. But one reason or another, they’ve now (or perhaps YOU now) find themselves distant from a local church.

Now, for one reason or another, there are large amounts of people who still consider themselves followers of Christ; but who have grown comfortable in a place of low or no involvement in a local body of believers. They still have Christian friends, after all. They still pray before meals, and before bed, and before an important meeting with the Doctor. But perhaps feel “guilty” about having taken such a long break. Unspoken guilt, and the feeling of being judged keeps them from openly entering the church doors.

Sure, people are leaving the Church because of fallen leaders. Because of doubts in their faith. Bad examples of Christ-followers being the most boisterous in the media. Etc.

But what if we were missing some of our family simply because we haven’t said to them, “Come back. We miss you. Whatever the reason you’ve been away is…doesn’t matter. Let’s be family. Let’s do this some more. We need you.”

If that’s you, consider this your invitation back. Heck, I’d even call it a plea. If you are already attending somewhere, who might you know that simply could use “permission/invitation” to return to regular worship/meeting together?

“because since we are all united as “members one of another,” the living, salvific will of God is mysteriously communicated to us through one another. We all need one another, we all complete one another. God’s will is found in this mutual interdependence. ” – Thomas Merton

I’ve just finished listening to a reading of a message by Henri Nouwen once again. I recommend it highly, and recommend returning to it several times. It’s a reminder for each of us of the importance we approach the ministry we are involved in together.

Nouwen reminds us to begin with Solitude, then Community, and then Ministry. To quote Nouwen: “So often in ministry, I have wanted to do it by myself. If it didn’t work, I went to others and said, “Please!” searching for a community to help me. If that didn’t work, maybe I’d start praying.”

He points us to the story in Luke chapter 6 which contains three main times: evening, morning, and afternoon. We are urged/led by Jesus to spend time in God’s presence before anything, a time where we exist in the identity He gives us as “my Beloved”. It’s a great place to be, in solitude, and just allow God to pour that identity over you as one who is Loved by God. Meditating on a few words from the Gospel, or simply being silent, breathing before the throne.

And it’s having that identity firmly planted in you, that moves you to seeing that same identity in others, as Loved by God. That moves one “Beloved” to desire to relate to another “Beloved” as we respond by our lives to God in a statement of “We Love you too”. And as we form communities (marriages, families, churches, other groups) of Beloved’s, our identities continue to come solely from our loved-ness. We are able to let go of anything else. “He is my shepherd, I shall not want.” No desire for praise/approval from man, or worldly comforts, etc.

As we are freed toward Love, Compassion, Mercy, etc. (Kingdom Living); our Love infinitely compels us to reveal this “being loved by God” to others. In word, in deed, both infinitely sacrificial, and infinitely rewarding; we find ourselves filled by His Spirit, and involved in Ministry that helps communicate God’s Love to this creation, and these who are created in His image.

And it all began by spending time apart. Away from busy-ness. Away from distraction. Not awaiting some mystical voice to come calling on a rushing wind. But simply aware of Words already spoken, and being spoken through all of creation: I am Loved by God.

You may remember a post from September, about TEAM USA’s Men’s Ice Hockey team. I know you’ve all been waiting with bated breath. Waiting, as team Russia, team Sweden, and various other countries have announced their roster. Waiting for the January 1st outdoor “Winter Classic” game, where the 2010 Winter Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey team would be announced.

If you’re like me, you may have missed it because you were driving home somewhere between Calhoun, GA and Decatur, IL. But no worries, the results are still available. Yes, a LOT of young players, that includes a son of the former “Miracle” team from 1980. It’ll be a struggle, but might be possible for us to get some sort of medal. Remember to tune in mid-February, I’ll keep you posted on the schedule. For now, in case you don’t like clicking:

Forwards

First Line

C Paul Stastny, Colorado Avalanche

LW Zach Parise, New Jersey Devils

RW Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

Second Line

C Chris Drury, New York Rangers

LW Scott Gomez, New York Rangers

RW Phil Kessel, Boston Bruins

Third Line

C Mike Modano, Dallas Stars

LW Ryan Malone, Tampa Bay Lightning

RW Brian Gionta, New Jersey Devils

Fourth Line

C Tim Connolly, Buffalo Sabres

LW Jamie Langenbrunner, New Jersey Devils

RW David Backes, St. Louis Blues

Defensemen

First Pairing

LD Brian Rafalski, Detroit Red Wings

RD Mike Komisarek, Montreal Canadiens

Second Pairing

LD Ryan Whitney, Pittsburgh Penguins

RD Ryan Suter, Nashville Predators

Third Pairing

LD Erik Johnson, St. Louis Blues

RD Paul Martin, New Jersey Devils

Goaltenders

Starter

G Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres

Backup

G Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins