HE’S WAITING THERE FOR US

A year ago right about now, Covid-19 became a big part of our lives. It has impacted work, school, worship, shopping, travel, and the ways we do things. And the sudden shutdowns of our daily activities caused panic in the grocery stores and a general walking away from our usual haunts, such as church.

So, altar guild people, did anyone think to go back right away to the church (masked, of course) and put things away? Were the rinsed linens left drying on a rack, waiting to be laundered? And, as time went on, did anyone come with the thought of “this would be a good time to do some serious cleaning”? Probably not. With churches closed, most fair linens weren’t laundered (who’s gonna see them anyway?), vestments weren’t checked for needed repairs, and silver probably wasn’t polished. Many of us went to virtual, online, Zoom, or recorded services. We did. In fact, for several weeks, our priest and a helper (who acted as congregation & reader) were the only ones in the sanctuary. I recorded music at home and it was added to the service through the sound system. I was finally allowed as a 3rd person (& as family of the eucharistic minister/helper), We did what we had to do to keep including people in God’s Extraordinary Story. And it worked!

But…the torches weren’t used therefore not polished; the camera only covered so much so fewer flowers; linens weren’t refreshed because, well, you know; the more elaborate vestments weren’t used; the array of silver wasn’t needed so not polished. However, I think Father’s alb was freshly laundered!

What I’m saying is that we have been so busy taking care of ourselves and existing day by day, we have neglected our church home. With more churches opening up, we need to take a look at our sacristies. It’s time to dust and launder and polish and repair God’s house – He’s waiting there for us.