There’s a great little invitation hidden in today’s first reading which has led me to re-define what it means to practice Christianity. The Christian is one who responds to Jesus’ gentle invitation (in the words from today’s reading) at any hour of the day or night: “Come now, let us talk this over…”

Now there’s a great start for Christian practice: conversation (talking and listening) with Jesus.

I’m delighted when I hear Christians who may not have been near a church for decades proudly name themselves as Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian or Catholic. These people have understood that while our response is important, Christian baptism marks us for eternity as people of God and gives us the right to confidently name ourselves as a part of our Christian family.

I’ve quoted before the inspiring message of Pope Benedict at his 2005 inauguration Mass: “We are not some casual and meaningless product of evolution. Each of us is the result of a thought of God. Each of us is willed, each of us is loved, each of us is necessary.”

Well-meaning Christians often voice concern that many people have left the church, adding that these people are no longer “practicing Catholics.”

It is helpful also to consider the ways in which the church may have left the people.

And perhaps neither question is as useful and helpful as letting God decide what it takes to be a person who practices faith.

I wouldn’t mind betting that God would start by saying, well, at least a person of faith will talk to me!

So whatever weighs on your mind and heart to day, go to God. Know that he is inviting you today: “Come now, let us talk this over.”

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FFF IN THE CAFE… Send your name and the name of a cafe or bar to john@fff.org.nz Scribble FFF on a table napkin, take a seat and wait.

Join these gatherings:

Wednesday 28 February 2024  10.30am FFF – Zenders Cafe and Venue 44 Hopkins Rd Hamilton 3286.  Christina

Saturday 2 March 2024 10.30am – Muffin Break 235 Main Street, Upper Hutt Central. Teresa

Sunday 3 March 2024 (& every Sunday) 12 noon. St Anthony’s Church, 66 Falkirk Ave, Seatoun.  Kim

Tuesday 5 March 2024 10.00am 316 Waiwhetu Road (California Garden Centre) Lower Hutt. Catherine

Email me to add another: john@fff.org.nz