Corpus Christi Worship Aid Doc. September 26-27

September 26-27, 2009
Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Numbers 11:25-29 James 5:1-6 Mark 9:38-48

FKB had an interesting appointment a few weeks ago. A woman e-mailed with some questions about what Corpus Christi believes regarding heaven and hell and I said that these sorts of questions are best handled in person and suggested that we should meet for an appointment rather than an extensive e-mail chain. She readily agreed…and when we met she once again asked her questions but did not yet want to share ‘her story’. My opening words were actually all that was needed: ‘Well, as the Roman Catholic parish here in Aliso Viejo…..’ ‘Oh’, she responded….’ I was confused by your sign and I was hoping that you were something other than Roman Catholic.’ She went on to explain that she attends Calvary Chapel and her daughter-in-law was Catholic and was looking for a Church to attend and she wanted her to participate with one that could insure her going to heaven…and then the clincher…she did not believe that Catholics were going to heaven and she wouldn’t feel comfortable recommending a Roman Catholic church to her daughter-in-law! She got a little soap-boxy-witnessy-preachy….and I found myself smiling and beginning to laugh…which caused her to stop and look perplexed. I explained that I had no doubt of her own relationship with Jesus…but that I found it sadly amusing that her faith was so insecure as to not allow there to be any way other than the ‘Calvary Chapel’ way of approaching God. I mentioned that when we send out letters of welcome to all those who have newly moved into Aliso Viejo we also offer ourselves as a resource for those who might not be Roman Catholic and are looking for their own denomination or faith community. I mentioned that we have directed some interested souls to the nearby Calvary Chapels and it was disheartening to hear that they would not extend the same courtesy. Interesting world we dwell within, no wonder ‘we can’t all get along’ when people have the silly notion that God is theirs and theirs alone! This weekend’s Gospel reminds us very powerfully that God’s grace can (and does) flow in a variety of ways….something that we Roman Catholics at times need to remember…and, it would seem, participants within other denominations as well. While we speak of the Roman Catholic Church having a ‘fullness’ of ways by which to participate with and enter into God’s grace, we are the first to acknowledge that God’s grace dwells within other denominations and other religions as well! Remember, it is all about RELATIONSHIP….not club membership!

Thank you for sharing this weekend with our Corpus Christi ROMAN CATHOLIC-Christian Community. Next weekend, please remember, all the Masses will be celebrated outdoors on the lawn, so please dress accordingly and wear appropriate shoes. This is the last weekend to make your reservations for next Saturday night’s BIG Wine and Food Festival….and to purchase your Raffle Tickets for the Family of Bikes. Also…remember that next Sunday we have a stellar list of local restaurants: Savannah Chophouse, Salt Creek Grille, HUSH of Laguna Beach, Avila’s El Ranchito, L’Hirondelle of San Juan Capistrano and Stadium Brewery - coming and offering their fare for greatly reduced prices (usually only $3 or $4 or $5 a plate…and some of the plates are a COMPLETE breakfast! Come hungry and throw some loose change in your pocket! Following the 12 Noon Mass we need your help in removing ALL the chairs from the Grand Hall in anticipation of Food and Wine set-up…please be careful of stacking them appropriately in the racks outside…and THANK YOU for your help.