:
inviting to a banquet someone who is
sick to the stomach. Inviting someone
struggling with atheism to come to
church is like giving a coffee shop gift
card to someone in prison.
The Lord has told us about the
hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick
and in prison so that “the teaching
of charity may be restored” to the
church. (Secrets of Heaven 2417.8) He
has told us to “examine carefully the
kind of life a person leads” before we
help him (Ibid. 6704), so that we can
understand his real spiritual needs.
That means that we have to begin by listening, and then listen some more.
Then, when we have come to know them well enough that we understand their
true spiritual needs, we can help them the way the Lord intended – with love
that is wise and judgment that is just.
Amen.
The Lord has told
us about the hungry,
thirsty, strangers, naked,
sick and in prison
so that “the teaching
of charity may be
restored” to the church.
The Rev. John L. Odhner is assistant to the pastor of the Bryn
Athyn Church, teaches in the Bryn Athyn Church School,
works on the Office of Outreach Internet Project, and is one of
the directors of the Stephen Ministry Program. He has served
as a pastor in Florida and California, and was a key person in
revising the General Church Liturgy. He lives in Bryn Athyn
with his wife, Lori (Soneson), and their family. Contact: John.
[email protected]
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