Seventh Sunday of Easter - May 17, 2015

When I was a little boy, growing up in Wilkinsburg, there were times when Mom would take me “up street” into the Wilkinsburg business district. (“Up street” was the local alternative to a bus ride “downtown” into Pittsburgh.) I knew mostly what to expect when I would go up street with Mom. I knew I could look for toys and ask Mom to buy me something if we went into Murphy’s Five & Ten. Caldwell & Graham, on the other hand, didn’t have anything fun. They only sold boring stuff like clothes. I knew we might stop in the Wilkinsburg Public Library for a book. I also knew that at some point, usually on the way home, we would go by St. James and “stop in for a visit.”

I don’t think the same opportunity exists today. Wilkinsburg is not the same neighborhood as when I was growing up, and I suspect that they have to keep the church locked when nothing is going on. As in so many places, you cannot just stop into church for a quiet prayer. But here at St. Malachy, with a nicer area and a police station just across the street, we are fortunate to be able to keep the practice alive. On weekdays we keep the church open throughout the day, until about 8:00 in the evening. On Saturdays we lock up after the evening Mass, and on Sundays the church is open until somewhere around 7:00 or 8:00. At any of those times, you are welcome to stop by and spend a few quiet moments with the Lord. There may be times when you find something going on, such as a funeral or the Friday Bible Study group (who would welcome you to join them). And of course on the third Tuesday of the month, including this coming Tuesday, you have the special opportunity to join us for all-day Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, from Exposition at the morning Mass until Benediction at 6:30.

Mom always referred to it, as I said above, as a “visit,” like stopping by to see a friend. As a child, of course, I always wanted to be doing something, to play some sort of game, when I visited a friend. Adults, on the other hand, could just sit and talk. So often we come to church when there are things to do, especially the Mass. But it is nice to have some quiet time just to visit, to sit quietly and pray. Think of it as an opportunity to have a pleasant conversation with the Lord. Sure, there may be some problems or some other issues in our lives that we want to bring to prayer. But as with a good friend, we can just stop by to be in His presence and enjoy His company. After all, good friends like to be together for a quiet time.

So remember that this Tuesday is our monthly day of Adoration. But also remember that any time you are in the neighborhood, Christ invites you to “stop in for a visit.” As people who believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, we know that Jesus is present in our church. What a blessing that we can still offer you some quiet time in prayer in His company.

                                                               Father H