Revolution of Love.com
Mother Church
by Brian
Several days ago I was surfing the web and attempted to enter a catholic website. Every attempt I made was followed by a message that read - ACCESS DENIED! Seeing that message pop up over and over was frustrating beyond belief. I was upset. And yet in some mysterious way I began thinking about the Church and what happened to me one afternoon several years ago.
I can't remember all the circumstances, but I felt a great need to go to my local parish and spend time some time in prayer. The parish parking lot was deserted so I knew it would be nice and quiet inside. I walked over to the front entrance of the Church, grabbed the door handle and realized the doors were locked. I proceeded to go around the Church looking for an open door, but soon realized that I would have to postpone my visit with Jesus and come back another day.
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, numerous titles are given to the Church, such as - "Universal Sacrament of Salvation" and "Mystical Body of Christ". The title that I am most fond of - and the one that means the most to me - is "Mother". When I left the parish parking lot on that unforgettable afternoon, I felt as though I had been denied access to visit my own Mother.
As our Mother, the Church loves us and nurtures us. She calls us to follow Jesus and gives us the strength to do so. The Church is a bright light in this world of darkness and stands tall against the forces of evil and injustice. No matter what the Church has done in the past or fails to do in the future, her mission remains the same - to spread the Gospel and to bring Redemption to a fallen world.
I cannot thank my Mother Church enough for she made me a child of God through the waters of Baptism and gave me the spiritual strength to live my faith in Confirmation. She feeds me weekly with the Bread of Life, the Holy Eucharist. When I sin, she picks me up and renews my relationship with Jesus through the Sacrament of Penance. I see my Mother, the Church, as beautiful and holy. Each day she calls me to know, love and serve Jesus so that I might enjoy eternity with Him in Paradise.
Let us ask Jesus to place greater love in our hearts for our Mother, the Church.