Come Closer
Going to Mass used to be such a workout.
When our kiddos were toddler-age and younger, my husband and I would mentally prepare ourselves in the car before heading into Mass (on a good day, it was minutes before the opening hymn; on a rushed Sunday morning, right after the opening hymn). Mass was both a physical and mental challenge with small children in tow. Because of this, I now love to encourage and send smiles to families who are making the effort to bring their children to Mass and stick it out during a snack meltdown or noisy moment.
When we started going to Mass with our firstborn, we opted to sit in the back third of the church. We’ll be less of a distraction there, we reasoned. At this time, we were also newcomers to Pontiac, so we didn’t know too many people around us in the pews. Over time, we moved closer and closer to the front of the church. The Lauritsen family were steadfast, familiar, and friendly faces we came closer to. Don and Ann Daluga should be credited with our coming closer as well. They didn’t miss an opportunity to check on our growing family or give a wink or shoulder tap on the way back to their pew after Communion.
I write this not as a commentary on where we each sit during Mass, but a reflection on coming closer and closer to Christ. My family was drawn in by other families, and for that we are grateful. This weekend is the final Sunday of the Church year. As always on this particular Sunday, we celebrate Christ as King of the Universe. Speaking of coming closer, the Gospel from St. Luke really brings us all closer. Luke Chapter 23 takes us to the scene of Christ’s crucifixion. Luke takes us closer to the scene of Jesus and the two thieves hanging from their crosses. From the soldiers mocking Jesus to the cruelty of the cross, this scene is uncomfortably vivid. However, we come closer and are reminded of the victory that was won for humanity on that day. We are reminded that the destiny of Christ-followers is to come close to Jesus and “to be with [Him] in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).
We can come closer to Jesus through others (like the Lauritsens or Dalugas). We can come closer through God’s Word. Come closer to Jesus’ heart by prayer and making time to sit with Him. Come closer to Jesus’ actions by being Christ to others and helping them in a time of need. Come closer to Jesus’ birth during Advent by reflecting on this gift to all humanity.
May you have a blessed Thanksgiving and come closer to Christ this Advent.