Choices

When you hear the word, "choice," what's the first thing that comes to mind?  "PRO-choice?" - the cry of those who want to "control" their own bodies by killing another little body, the unborn babies within.  Why didn't they "control" their own bodies and choose not to conceive the children?

This is concerning a different kind of choice, the choice some parents give their children over which church to attend (as if all religions were equal and generic!).  These parents don't bring their children to church, if they go themselves but let everyone know how 'fair' and 'modern' and 'progressive' they are by such lack of parenting.

Let's get really close to reality here: if children are NOT REGULARLY brought to church or temple WITH their parents, most of them will NEVER go to ANY church or temple, NEVER!  Is this what you want??  There is no other way!  Our children may or may not follow in our footsteps, but if we don't walk, there won't be any footsteps!  If our faith is not important enough to bring our children, they won't care at all about any faith life.

1.  Church is NOT entertainment.  We are there to worship God, our creator.
2.  Children will behave in church if we EXPECT them to behave after engaging in kind but firm discipline for all their young lives.
3.  Yes, it may seem awkward to 'church shop,' try to find a church at which you feel welcome.  Keep searching.  Pray for a clear choice.  You will find your home!
4.  Do you think that you won't go to church because you hate to dress up and/or don't have 'fine' clothes?  That's not at all what it's about!  There's a delightful couple that sits in front of me on Sundays,  sometimes bring in their motorcycle helmets and put them on the seats.  So what!  It's not a fashion show! (Although after church today some of us friends were saying that we wish the young people wouldn't come in shorts.)
4.  One very important reason for regular church attendance is WITNESS.  We help each other in our faith lives if we are in this together.  We make friends.  We help them if they need it.  They help us if we need it.  Faith sharing and praying together is immensely benefiting to all involved.
5.  Research has proven over and over again that those who regularly attend church are psychologically healthier and happier.  Church matters!  Dare we question God's plan?
6.  We will be held accountable by God by 100% of our CHOICES!

A friend's father was regularly brought to church by his parents until he was 14 years old.  Then he was the oh-so-typical adolescent rebel.  He whined that he didn't want to go to church.  It was old-fashioned and boring!  His parents didn't have the guts (pardon my no-nonsense candor, some things should never be glazed over!) to tell him, "we think it's very important.  You need to come with us."  So now he only attends church for family and friends' weddings and baptisms.  It's a sure bet (and probably will happen soon, judging by the recklessness with which he ignores his doctor's advice) he won't miss his own funeral in church!!

I'm no stranger to adolescent rebels.  One daughter who won't be named, you know who you are!, told me, "I'm not a Catholic, I'll never be a Catholic, I won't go to church now or ever."  I looked her in the eyes and declared, "You WILL go to church with the rest of us.  You may not ever go to church when you're grown-up but you will know what you reject!"  Several others chose to be Sunday school teachers.  I won't say all of my adult children go to church regularly but I'm not accountable now - they are!  In my heart, I know I tried my best!

I've met so many folks who painfully regret giving their children the choice whether or not they want to come to church.  I've never met a single person who regretted bringing their child to church!

What about YOU?  When the time comes, wouldn't you rather be recognized as being someone who often came to God's house or someone to whom God says, "Hey, who are you?"

Lord, these were my Sunday Thoughts.  I wish every single person could be a member of my wonderful church!  I wish every single member of our large parish could attend the same service!  I wish we could have a big lunch every Sunday and stay there all day!  Anyway, thank You for letting me to come visit you!