I need an addition to my affinity for the sacramental life. Another deep appreciation I have for the sacramental life is the love for the Church. There is a solid connection to the Body of Christ.

There is probably not one person in the Church that has not suffered some form of abuse in the institutional Church. Yet, I hear of more and more Americans who are “burnt out” on Church. They become a “church” unto themselves. They’ll feed themselves through the internet or TV or books. When I hear that I am grieved. It’s not because I am a pastor. It’s because I am a part of the Body of Christ. The CHURCH is his body.

I don’t think we understand the grief our Lord goes through when someone says, “I don’t have to be a part of a church.” Christ is the head. That is not “head” in sense of “general of the army.” It’s “head” in the sense of being attached to a body. When we “self-amputate” ourselves from the body, Christ is hurt. Not just the Church. Christ. We damage our Head!

Abuses and all, I understand the Church is made up of humans. It makes mistakes. That does not mean Christ is still not attached! Let us love one another. Let us love his Body. Let us celebrate together. I love the Church.