Are we ready to welcome the stranger?
This past Sunday, the readings were ideally situated three days before one of the most popular days of the church year: Ash Wednesday (which we will celebrate February 22).
In the Gospel, Mark tells us about a scene set in a house on the Sea of Galilee but which also sounds a lot like what our churches will look like this coming Wednesday: "When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them." (Mk. 2:1-2)
The place was swamped. For some reason, the crowds felt compelled to connect with Jesus. And for some reason, many people will feel drawn to connect with Christ again on Ash Wednesday. The reasons for the return are as many as there are people entering the door, but the fact remains: countless people will most definitely come and sit with us that day.
So who are we in this story? We're the people already in the house, perhaps like the scribes and Pharisees, proud of our dedication to our faith. We're the ones who were sure to get the best seats, closest to Jesus. Like those Galileans in the Gospel, though, we can easily forget about the others trying to get in the door. (we might even scoff at them, saying something with dripping sarcasm: "it's about time they showed up..." or "those people only come once a year...they aren't stealing my seat - or parking spot!") It can be tempting to look with disdain on the men and women who are only present in our pews on Christmas, Easter, or Ash Wednesday. But unfortunately for those who adopt this attitude, the Gospel story doesn't bode too well for them.
In fact, the very people who showed up late and had to break through the roof are the ones that Jesus decides to focus on the most. And it's those very same people that Christ is most excited to see on Ash Wednesday.
So if we want to be on Jesus' side, if we want to avoid being a Pharisee for the day, what are we to do?
1) Tear open the roof: invite your friends and family, co-workers, neighbors, and even strangers to come to the church on Ash Wednesday. Welcome them with enthusiasm to join you, no matter how often they've gone to church lately.
2) Give up the choice spots: this is a special day for less frequent churchgoers, so forgo you usual pew and offer it up to a newcomer, a stranger, or someone who could use some rest. We have plenty of Sundays to sit in our favorite spots - on Ash Wednesday, the visitor must come first.
3) Celebrate: instead of cynically disapproving of the crowds, adopt an attitude of gratitude for the people all around you. Welcome them with open arms, offering smiles and greetings. Go beyond your comfort zone at the sign of peace and tell everyone you meet how wonderful it is to see them today.
4) Invite them to go deeper: if you're in a position of leadership in your parish, consider offering something after the service or mass to build community (small groups, a simple dinner, or a reception). Even if you're not a church leader, you can invite newcomers to join you for Stations of the Cross, a parish mission, small group series, a fish fry, or other Lenten activities. In whatever way we can, let's help ourselves and our visitors make good on the promise we make that day to "turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel."
5) Pray: it's easy to pray only for those closest to us, for the sick in our families or for the friends going through a hard time. But this Lent, resolve to pray for people you don't know. Pray for people who reject the Church or who have fallen away from the practice of their faith. Pray for the person who is deeply spiritual, though not so "religious." Pray for the people you only see a few times a year - pray that in whatever way, God and others might help lead them to a community where faith can be nourished and love can be offered unconditionally. Finally, pray for our Church, that it may be welcoming every day of the year - not just Ash Wednesday.
Our churches will be crowded this Wednesday - and thank God Almighty for that gift! Don't be a Pharisee. Instead, help tear open the roof for all to come in!
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