Doesn’t this title simply make sense? Couldn’t you say that it is just common sense? There is much evidence to support such statements. For example, we know that we have to have a medical examination within a certain period of time. If we have none at all, then we take the risk of having a disease not noticed until it is too late. So, it is common sense to take advantage of our medical establishment as a resource by having a medical checkup on a regular basis. It is the same situation when it comes to dentistry. We know that we need to have our teeth checked on a regular basis. If we do not, we can develop various oral problems.
We know that our automobiles need an oil checkup at its due date; our tire pressure should be examined and so on. If we ignore our cars completely, all sorts of problems could hit us and at the wrong time, like on the road. If something breaks down in our homes, we have to know what resource to contact. Same idea is applied here. Perhaps nothing is breaking down, but we simply want to add something. It is great to know how to do that. Who can we call to help us?
When you stop to think about it, just about everything around us is a resource. I need clothing for members of my family, or just for me. Where can I shop for them? I need tools, items for the house, perhaps for my office or place of business. Where can I go for such items? In all of these cases, we need to know where to get what we want. It is all a matter of knowing my resources, and taking advantage of them so that I cannot simply live, but rather live well!
Our parish church must be thought about in the same light. It is a resource that is obviously always available for us. I need spiritual help and nourishment. Where can I go for such needs? The parish church is the best place to go. Once again, if I need to nourish my body there are certainly many gyms to join, right down to even having a personal trainer. If I am suffering from chronic depression, I can see a counselor. Hospitals routinely advertise what is available for you to receive assistance in all areas of your life. The only conceivable health is total health. And you get to choose, always, what sort of help you want! It is amazing what is available! Our parish bulletin likewise lists many ways to receive spiritual help, and if you don’t see what you need or want, all you have to do is call and inquire.
My point is that I believe that we already do take advantage of our various resources, and by the sheer power of our daily experiences of life, we at least learn how to take advantage of them. In utter exasperation we hit our heads and exclaim how this or that is not going to happen to us again. We will wonder why, perhaps, we did not see a doctor earlier.
It is equally important, I believe, to see our church in the same light. And the church is so much better, actually, as a resource for us and our families. I don’t just receive from my parish church, but I can contribute to it as well – not just financially which are what most people think of. I can give from my own, hard earned experiences of life and education and become a resource for others precisely through my parish church. And God Himself brings all of this together, unites it, and gives it Power through His Grace. Ongoing Healing is a very realistic result. I would say that this makes the local parish pretty special. Wouldn’t you? Take more advantage of it. Only our imagination limits us. Read the bulletin regularly. Call! Know this in the mean− time. You are always being held up in prayer.
Peace, Fr. Walter
