Last week I wrote about our need to be authentic in our relationship with Jesus Christ.  Our personal friendship with Him is a first step, a foundational necessity if others are to take us seriously when inviting them to encounter Jesus.

Practically, how do I invite others back to Church and the Faith.  First, try to understand (not accept) the reason why someone no longer goes.  Some of the excuses are:

-I don’t have the time or are too busy.  An answer is:  God wants you here.  He longs to see you, to embrace you.  Come and hug Him back.

-I don’t feel worthy.  An answer is:  Who is?  We say at Mass, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof.”  Then we say, “but, only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”  God wants to come to you and heal you.  Maybe we aren’t worthy, but, we are loved and have value!

-I don’t get anything out of Mass.  An answer is:  What you put into it, you get out of it.  If what you want is praise of God, appreciation of His gifts, thanks for blessings and a place to go when we need to hear, feel and touch Love, then come to church.  What you put into it you get out of it.

-I’m mad about what is happening with the Church.  An answer is:  So am I!  But, we can’t run from God, we need to run to Him.  We have to face adversity in life and the Church with a faithful heart.  Our faith isn’t based on men, it is based on one Man:  Jesus Christ.  Man will disappoint, The Man won’t!

So listen to what the other person is really saying, perhaps there is more complexity to the problem.  Keep the avenue of dialog open.  An attentive ear, an open heart, and a gentle invitation can go a long way.  Start with prayer, personally.  Then pray for them.  Above all, let them know that God and this parish want them to come!