Steven M Schisler
Nov 6 · 2 min read

. I think this year went by so very fast for me. It’s almost “THAT” time of the year… And with the holidays, regardless of how or what you celebrate, come the meals! Although I can’t eat like I did when I was younger, I think I enjoy the meals just as much or more. You see, it’s not about how beautiful, fancy or even well prepared the food is, it’s all about the people I get to share it with. I truly believe we could eat PBJ’s and I’d feel the same way!

I think back to holiday meals at my grandparent’s house and I remember trying to sit near the adults and listen to my dad’s, Uncle Bob’s, and Uncle Mart’s stories. Grandpa could spin a yarn too and really get his son-in-laws and kids worked up! Then the time came when Bobby and Billy and Mike were in the service, Karen went to nursing college and moved away and they were ceremoniously accepted to the big people’s area…and more stories!

Now I recognize the same type of thing continuing with my family… I guess and hope that your family is the same. In today’s Gospel (LK 14:15–24), Jesus tells the Parable of the rich man who gave a great dinner. The people (family and friends) he invited were not interested in coming so he opened up his house and brought in everyone ELSE!

Is your family like mine, noticing that these large family gatherings are becoming less frequent and less attended? Have you noticed that at church too? We are noticing a phenomena in society where people are becoming more and more isolated while trying to be more “plugged in”. We are choosing to live in this virtual world rather than in relationship with live people… it’s less messy, it fits our time schedule, it allows us to be selfish and lazy.

Church is the same way… we’d rather listen to a CD or podcast while we drive. We’d rather choose to remember the simple message about God’s love, forgiveness and mercy rather than have a real relationship of prayer and worship with Him. Little blurbs of the Gospel, all nice and comfy, smiley faces, hearts and kisses emoji’s. It’s all good, except if there is no RELATIONSHIP behind it, it’s NOT REAL. Following Christ requires a commitment, just like belonging to a family. Let’s think about the upcoming couple of months and all the opportunities we will have to gather as family… just like we do weekly at our church. Live these relationships LIVE, not virtually, lazily or selfishly. You’ll be better for it and glad you did. Peace and All Good, my friends!

    Steven M Schisler

    Written by

    Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Catholic Deacon, Secular Franciscan, Outdoorsman, Adventurer, Retired/Disabled Electrician/Field Superintendent/Project Manager/Vice-Pres