The Grace of Visiting Churches

How can we practice more diversity in our fellowships and in our communities? What can be gained by our openness? How can we begin in our outreach to one another?

Interior dome of the Cathedral of St. Matthew of the Apostles Catholic Church, near Dupont Circle

As you are reading this I plan to be looking up at this beautiful dome:) I have always wanted to travel more abroad to visit in particular Ravenna and see the beautiful mosaics that are famous to this region of Italy. I was amazed this past week when I discovered this stunning interior of a church in DC that boasts of being the house of worship for John F. Kennedy while he was living in DC.  I am planning to head down this weekend to share this beautiful interior with my husband and experience the celebration of a Mass.

Cathedral of St. Matthews Interior, Washington DC, Image courtesy of Almonroth and Wikimedia Commons

I have gained so much in the past from these kinds of expeditions. I love strolling around these sanctuaries to see what I can tell about other faith traditions…you can learn so much about their beliefs from their church buildings…if you open your heart and really look.

 

So I am sending you forth to knock on a few doors in your community and I know you will be pleasantly surprised by what you find out there….and by what you see in the process.

Interior dome of the Cathedral of St. Matthew of the Apostles Catholic Church, near Dupont Circle

 

So what can this teach us?

• That all Christian faith traditions have value and excellence.
• That we can learn and admire things from visiting these neighboring houses of worship.
• That we all claim Jesus as the center of our lives.

I know you will find that the riches are abundant at the feast of our Lord…as we sing in the old hymn;

“All things are ready….Come to the Feast….See now the door is open wide”

And Paul reminds us:

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” I Cor 13: 4-7

I love this scene from the musical Hair as it connects us to our own awakening…

Open up your heart….and Let the sunshine in! 

Now is the time!

Peace be with you!