The vigil Masses are soon to be underway here in the USA. In less than 2 hours I will be assisting my first Mass for the Christmas festivities. At all of these vigil Masses, at least in these parts, the number of folks in the pews will be, well, in a word: overwhelming. Last year, for our 4 pm vigil, in a church that holds 450 comfortably, we totaled 800. Yep, 800!! Don't worry, we have room, folding chairs and lots of SRO.
This pattern repeats itself at 6 pm and all day tomorrow. It does not take rocket science to realize that this means many are coming to Mass for the first time in, well, a long time. Maybe the first time since last year or longer or visiting us from another community or even another faith community. Some of these folks will park in our favorite spots, some will sit in our favorite pew and others will, unfortunately, hear unwelcoming words. Come on people.
On this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, rejoice in our visitors, welcome our strangers, affirm those who may be trying while struggling to return to the Lord and His Church.
I can't wait to see them, and all the regulars too.
May the celebration of the birth of Christ inspire us to be Christ-like to others; today, tomorrow and everyday.
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