Church or Club.

Maybe there’s an interest in joining the Elks Club or the Moose Club, the Rowing Club, or the Country Club. Regardless, any special interest group will want to screen potential members through a process, such as requiring them to fill out an application. Some groups require a sponsor, and there is a membership fee. Some are by invitation only.

Once accepted, connecting with like-minded individuals, expanding thought processes, and social and communal events broaden life experiences.

And now we sing, “All Are Welcome.” But there is an important caveat.

This joining has the feel of being a member at one of our churches. There is an invitation with many interests, a genuine sense of belonging, accompanied by requirements and great benefits, but Jesus warns that the benefits are not easy to obtain. One must be a fully pledged member; otherwise, you will not be noticed, and if not noticed, you will be denied the benefits. Here is the call for full participation in our faith. Side-liners are missing out on what the Church has to offer. The faithful want everyone to be able to come to the table and feast on the joy of receiving the consecrated bread and wine.

And this. How can we bring others to the table if we ourselves are not fully committed? Paul reminds us that our human frailty has a friend in the Holy Spirit, who helps us to navigate the narrow gate. It is never a good time to disregard the Holy Spirit.

Prayer:

Lord, teach me the way of your statutes; I shall keep them with care. Give me understanding to keep your law, to observe it with all my heart. Lead me in the path of your commandments, for that is my delight. (Psalm 119:33-35)