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Churchy?
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August 15, 2022Recently, I was having a discussion with someone and they shared, “I’m Catholic, but just not as “churchy” as you. We didn’t have time to explore the statement, but I was left wondering what that really meant and how my faith- based actions might be incorrectly perceived by others? I felt a bit misunderstood. My decision to go to Church frequently is what might label me as “churchy” but there’s so much more to that choice.
In Hebrews 11:1 we are reminded that, “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” That sums up why I love the Mass. It’s not about the building, the pretty stained- glass windows and the statues---it’s all about receiving Him in the Eucharist. We are encouraged to attend Mass because it builds up the “body of Christ” and strengthens us a community of believers. I do appreciate that aspect of attendance as well, but for me personally- it’s very intimate. What I hope for is a closer relationship with God and more intimate friendship with Jesus.
As Catholics in training we start out in our early years going to Church because we need to honor the Sabbath. It’s one of the Ten Commandments, the only real rules Jesus gave to His believers. I didn’t even really know what “transubstantiation”(the conversion of the substance of the Eucharist elements into the body and blood of Christ at consecration, only the appearance of bread and wine is remaining”) meant until I became a parent and my own children were receiving their first sacraments.
So, for me, going to church today is about receiving Him into my soul and allowing Him to lead my life. It’s a very freeing process of letting go of control and feeling more peaceful. My day becomes led by the graces I feel I have received during that Mass. It’s exactly what Hebrews 11:1 means.
Several years ago, the percentage of registered Catholic parish families who attended church services was only 20%. That number today has dropped even lower as a result of the propaganda surrounding priests who abused children and the pandemic that forced many online to stay spiritually nourished. The convenience of watching a service online is easier, but lacks so many benefits that attendance provides. Many busy parents who have children in several sports simply can’t find the time to get to Mass. When Jesus asked us to keep holy the Sabbath day, His intention wasn’t about following a rule. This gift of Him in the form of bread and wine is the miracle of attendance and making this a daily practice is a priority for me.
So, being Catholic sometimes gets hung up on the classification of the label, but we should be more focused on the spirituality of receiving the unique sacramental gifts from those sacred Catholic traditions shared by a community of faithful believers. Unfortunately, when Catholics are not participating in the sacraments they can receive at Mass, they are deprived of these graces. Receiving those special graces empowers our daily decisions and leads us to God’s specific will for us. Catholics who merely see church attendance as an obligation are not experiencing the fullness of the faith.
Being “churchy” doesn’t make someone a better Catholic—it simply helps those of us who feel weak against the demands of living become much stronger souls and keeps us on a path to the holiness we truly desire. The living sacrifice of the Mass directs my own soul on a path to peace more than any other investment of my time.
Jesus did not come to divide us into labels, but to offer merciful love and acceptance of all. He came to show what loving acceptance and sacrifice looks like, but He also intentionally gave us the “living sacraments” from His Church for a divine purpose. To intentionally accept these gifts from Him as frequently as possible does truly give back to Him the greatest love we can. When we celebrate these gifts in union with other believers, we can more fully share that love with others.
