Comfortable Christianity 

   “I didn’t go to religion to make me happy.  I always knew a bottle of Port would do that.  If you want religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity.” (C.S. Lewis) 

   Too many priests and bishops seem more concerned with making their flock comfortable than with saving their soul.  Homilies have become nice talks that rarely scratch the surface of what it really means to be Christian.

   In too many churches no one is offended, all are made to feel good about themselves and sin is rarely mentioned.  Even the word Hell is seldom, if ever, spoken.  I would remind the priests of those parishes that they will have to answer to God for the souls that have been placed in their charge.

   Christianity is not supposed to be easy, if it were there would be a lot more Christians.  But if it were easy what kind of Christians would they be?  Jesus clearly told us that following Him is not an easy path, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Luke 9: 23).

   Consider the life of Christ; it was one of rejection, and betrayal.  Those He came to save had Him nailed to a cross.  The lives of the apostles were much the same.  Suffering is a part of Christianity, but that suffering allows us to share a bit in the suffering Jesus endured for our sake.

   Christianity is not for those who seek only comfort and ease.  If that is your desire, stay home and watch the ballgame.  But if you want to spend eternity in indescribable joy and happiness, find a parish with priest who will lead you there. 

We suffer at times.

Life can be difficult.

Christianity is the answer.

Lead us home. 

Amen