1/27/11

Unexcused Absences: We should not absent ourselves from the Assembly


Hebrews 10:19-25, Psalm 24:1-6, Mark 4:21


We should not absent ourselves from the assembly, as some do, but encourage one another; and this all the more because you see that the Day draws near." -Hebrews 10:25


This Scripture passage is used to encourage people to go to church on Sundays, but it also applies to many other gatherings. How many have made worship a Sunday-only obligation? These too are absenting themselves from the assembly for almost all of the week.Some go to the assembly but stay to themselves. They are present in body but absent in spirit. Most Christians absent themselves from the assembly by confining prayer to church and not assembling for family prayer at home. Many Catholics look for the quickest Mass, come late, sit by the door, and leave early. Some people come to church for the wrong reasons; they may be merely cultural Christians or looking to make a deal with God. These too are absences. How many assemble in Jesus' name and not their own? We need to repent of our absences and be present at church, present to one another, and in God's presence.

Prayer: Father, You are always present, always there for me. May I be like You.

Promise: "In the measure you give you shall receive, and more besides." -Mk 4:24

1 comment:

Ed Sousa said...

Dear children!
I am calling you to a more active prayer and attendance at Holy Mass. I wish your Mass to be an experience of God. I wish especially to say to the young people: be open to the Holy Spirit because God wishes to draw you to himself in these days when satan is at work. Thank you for having responded to my call. Medjugorje message, May 6, 1985