November 2, 2011

Two things strike me as I reflect on the Newman Fellowship and its growth over the last two months.  First is the enthusiasm and joy of our worship together.  From my vantage point in the choir I can see the earnest and happy faces of the congregation, and I know that these people are here because they want to be with us, not just because of habit or past associations.  The suspicions and animosities of the last few years have been left behind, and we are ready to “be joyful on the Lord”, to “serve Him with gladness”.  Sometimes I have to stop singing to swallow the lump in my throat.  Our worship is very moving.

Second is the way we are being urged to think as we explore together the richness of Catholic Christianity.  This comes both in the preaching and in the catechism classes, where we are allowed and encouraged to ask searching questions and to admit that we do not have all the answers.  We are not being “force-fed” as we work out our faith.  We will all have decisions to make, and we are helping each other grow together.  We are truly a fellowship as we grow in the depth of our worship and our understanding.  We are fortunate to be here at this time.

        “The Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth
        endureth from generation to generation.”