This Scripture passage is used to encourage people to go to church on Sundays, but it also applies to many other gatherings. How many have made worship a Sunday-only obligation? These too are absenting themselves from the assembly for almost all of the week.
Some go to the assembly but stay to themselves. They are present in body but absent in spirit. Most Christians absent themselves from the assembly by confining prayer to church and not assembling for family prayer at home. Many Catholics look for the quickest Mass, come late, sit by the door, and leave early. Some people come to church for the wrong reasons; they may be merely cultural Christians or looking to make a deal with God. These too are absences. How many assemble in Jesus' name and not their own?
We need to repent of our absences and be present at church, present to one another, and in God's presence.
| PRAYER: | Father, You are always present, always there for me. May I be like You. |
| PROMISE: | "In the measure you give you shall receive, and more besides." –Mk 4:24 |
| PRAISE: | St. Angela chose St. Ursula as the model for her sisters, representing many unnamed virgin martyrs. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College