Congregation

By RH

     Have you ever thought about when a congregation begins? Is it when you walk through the doors of the church or while everyone is assembled in their pews, or when…?

     As people are deciding what time to go to Mass, congregation is already beginning. In houses all over town and the whole country, families are preparing for church, mentally and physically. They talk about it with each other, dress for it, get in their vehicles and drive there.

     Walking into the church building, we know we are home, we are welcome, we are in our Father’s house. Even though another person might not say ‘welcome’, we know God is there and He is waiting for us and welcomes us.

     During Mass, as a congregation, we stand, sit, kneel, pray, listen and receive Jesus. When we leave the church, we carry the words and prayers in our minds and Jesus in our hearts. As we go about the rest of our day, hopefully we have the opportunity to share with others what we have received at Mass.

     Being able to worship publicly, openly and in a congregation is a blessing and a privilege that we should never take for granted. So, the next time you are getting ready for Mass, remember that you are already part of a congregation.