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Have you ever encountered a friend that you may not have seen for a while and they tell you that they no longer attend Mass on Sunday? It is an uncomfortable moment to be sure but what is the appropriate next step? I have found that many people are quick to find a reason not to attend Mass anymore. They frequently blame an insensitive priest for their current situation. Very often they say that someone said something to them that was very hurtful and made them feel unwelcome. I am writing on this topic today for two reasons. The first is to reinforce the reason for the Passion of Easter Sunday. The second is to confront the issues of the Church that are occurring around the world and have brought undue pressure on Pope Benedict. This past Sunday was not just an ordinary Sunday. We celebrated the event that forever changed the world as we know it. The Passion is about providing us with a second chance. The sin of Adam and Eve and all of our ancestors throughout the ages have been forgiven and wiped away becasue our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ died on the cross. His resurrection three days later allows us a new opportunity to start again. The second chance afforded us through Jesus' sacrifice is not something to be ignored. It is a terrific gift that we should accept graciously and immediately. I do not want to diminish the feelings of people who believe they have been hurt by the Church. We are created as sensitive beings and our feelings have value. But often we are very willing to allow one or two comments from someone deny us the opportunity to grow our relationship with God. I want to suggest to you that each of us is part of the Body of Christ and we all represent the Church. Practicing Catholics need to evangelize to those who have not heard the word and to those who are wayward. I represent the Church. I can apologize for the Church and so can you. If that is all it will take to bring someone back to the Church and open the possibility that they will achieve eternal salvation, why not offer a sincere apology. Tell them that you are sorry on behalf of the Church that someone said or did something that hurt their feelings. It just might bring them back to the Church. And the rest is up to God. Our work as a community must be to allow God to use as as His earthly vessels. Offering a contrite apology to someone is the least we can do.

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