The Brotherhood

These guys here are spectacular.

Wonderful God-fearing, God-searching men, whom I really enjoying being around. We have a common goal, a common calling which binds us to one another.

Nevertheless, whenever I receive a picture of this little guy on my cell phone from Kristine, my heart skips a beat. There‘s no other boy on the planet who can make my heart as joyful as my son.

Then I start thinking: what in the world am I in Rome for? Why am I not just taking a week off and spending it all with my son? I justify this trip to myself, by telling myself that this is a „work-trip“ and not pleasure. Maybe, but where will it end and how often will I be going on work trips in the future? I want to be careful to not put anything other than Christ and His calling, above my family. And Christ‘s calling in it‘s very nature includes my own family does it not?

Yesterday, we saw candles that could be lit to represent prayers and penance. I have to think of the people going by with the religious looks and believing hearts. They believed in the meaning behind the symbols. They came expectantly with their coins and paid a price to see a light light up as an outward sign of inward piety. Or maybe not. Maybe they are content with the outward symbols but have no inward affection for which they take part in. Be that as it may… The religious tenor of these believers at all the churches we were at was similar. They came to put into action what they believed. No matter how great or small that belief may be. Some came thousands of miles. Crossed oceans. Defied their families.
And this coming Sunday we will go to church and complain about who preached, how he/she preached and then rip the songs apart from top to bottom, no matter who was playing. What about understanding that we are supposed to come to church with an expectant heart to give all that we have, because we know that nothing more and nothing less, is required of us? What about coming to the service on Sunday with an attitude of expecting to be heard, and a willingness to share your own heart?
It might change everything. It nothing else, it would make for more interesting table conversation after the service.