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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.

This is what it means to be a “practicing” Christian.

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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Send your date and time to add to the list, and just turn up at at one of the advertised gatherings, just one hour, focussing on where we are encountering Christ.

TRENTHAM
Tuesday 18th March 1pm
Invitation from Kat
Cafe Equinox
458 Fergusson Drive, Trentham,

NEW PLYMOUTH
Wednesday 19 March 10.00am
Invitation from Joan
Stumble Inn
200 Mangorei Road New Plymouth

WHANGANUI
Invitation from Kate
Thursday 7am St Mary’s church, Whanganui (every Thursday)

AUCKLAND NORTH SHORE
Thursday 20 March 10.30am
Invitation from Catherine
Columbus Coffee
219 Don McKinnon Drive (outside Westfield overlooking the lake) Albany

LOWER HUTT
Wed 26 March 10.30am
Invite from Catherine
Columbus Cafe in Mitre 10
25 Bouverie St, Petone.