I'm addressing this directly to my dear Catholic brothers and sisters, the one's who indeed go to Mass week after week and love the faith. Will you welcome our visititors today at our vigil Mass, or at midnight Mass or at the Masses of Christmas morning?
We all know the scenario. We will arrive at Mass and our favorite parking space or pew might be taken by those friends of ours we don't see too often during the year. And some of us will be inclined to make not too charitable comments, or at least think them, and yes, even some of us might hear Father mention the overflowing crowds.
I, for one, say welcome them; welcome them heartily. Give our friends a far better welcome than Mary and Jospeh found when looking for a place to stay on that joyful, glorious night! Perhaps our very attitude of welcome and our example of joy as we begin the Christmas season will be what others see, and experience, that can help them on their personal journey home.
Yes, Mass might last a little longer, the Communion distribution may take awhile, Father may speak a minute or two longer, and it will all be worth it. As we celebrate and fully understand the joy of Christmas, Christ coming to us as a babe, can we be Christ-like today, and tomorrow, in those we welcome to our wonderful Catholic Churches for Mass to celebrate te Nativity of Jesus!
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