Sunday, December 20, 2009

Return to Tree

I was going to take a break from my usual reflective-type posts this week, and leave you with a picture of the Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center.

For those of you that aren't in the NY area, I thought this would be a nice way to bring the tree to you.

But I feel like God wanted me to do more than that and go through the normal reflection.

So here goes ...

As you can see from the picture, I made my annual trek to the tree on a night full of rain and light snow. Part of me was disappointed at the less-than-ideal weather, while the other part was hoping some of that snow would stick to the tree. After all, what could be prettier than a 65-foot lighted tree with snow glistening from each branch?

Alas, the snow did not stick. And while the tree was as beautiful as always, I feel like my experience was less than optimal.

The more I thought about that experience, the more it reminded me of some Catholics this time of year. Like me to Rockefeller Center, they return to the Church year after year at Christmas-time.

And that's it.

Three hundred and sixty four days between visits (unless they also go for Easter).

Like that snow, it just doesn't stick. And while that day is probably beautiful for them, their overall experience with our Lord is less than optimal.

So I decided to start praying for those people this week. I pray for all those who only come to the Church a few times a year, and even more for those who have left the Church entirely. I pray that God guides them back regularly, so they can start living their lives more fully - the way He intended them to.

God Bless.

10 comments:

Unknown said...

Michael,
I'm glad God led you to more than just the tree and that you listened to Him. I will join my prayers with yours for those who have fallen away or practice their faith only minimally.
Thanks for the post and the picture of the tree.
God Bless!

Anne said...

Prayer always helps. Thanks for praying for those who neglect their faith.

the booklady said...

Dear Michael,

I remember one Divine Mercy Sunday when our priest looked around the church and asked, "Where is everyone?! Where are all the people who were here last week?" Our church had returned to its usual 1/2 full status ... as compared to standing room only -- 7 days earlier -- on Easter. That has always stayed with me.

Let's keep praying that the Good News of the First Coming of Christ be spread far and wide!

Merry Christmas!

christopher said...

Well done, Michael.

Anonymous said...

I think the tree is beautiful! I have always wanted to go to New York and see this tree as well as Saint Patrick's Cathedral. Thank you so much for sharing.
I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a joyful Christmas and New Year. I have enjoyed visiting here. You are truly an inspiration to all of us. Your blog is just wonderful ♥ Merry Christmas Michael and God bless you!

AAG said...

I just learned about this blog, and have now read every single post. Your thoughts and reflections are beautiful, inspiring, and thought provoking. You have opened my eyes to new ways of viewing the lives of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and all the others you write about. Some of the posts were so beautiful that tears swelled in my eyes. Thank you for writing this blog, and God bless you.

Essay said...

Thank you for sharing, I like it worth reading.

Michael said...

Karinann - thank you for joining me!
Anne - Sometimes I get so caught up in my own world, I have to remind myself that others need my prayer even more.
Booklady - Amen! And I have gone through that exact same experience in Church.
Christopher - thank you, sir
Carol - Thank you so much for the kind words - I'll try and post a picture of St. Patrick's next time I go. (assuming I can sneak one in before the usher reprimands me!)
AAG - wow ... thanks for that! I dont know what to say! (you stayed awake after reading all my ramblings??)
Essay - thank you very much, I'm glad you enjoyed

Shirley said...

Excellent post. The tree is beautiful, but not so beautiful as a full church.

Michael said...

Well said, Shirley