Church Going

we go to church to have a good time,

to feel good about ourselves,

to feel happy and entertained.

we go to ward off the guilt.

we go in shorts and comfortable t-shirts,

and cheap slippers,

because we are going as if to a picnic,

to the park, to the beach.

it is the only Sunday we have and we want

to make most of it. we could have gone

to the movies, or to the mall, or to the food court instead,

and yet we've come here,

so remember that. we're using up precious time for this,

and we expect it to be worth it. 

so while you're up there, Father, make sure

to say a few jokes and keep us entertained.

we don't want to be bored. and also

tell us that God loves us in spite of what we've done.

now don't start preaching about sin,

we don't want to be feeling bad about ourselves 

when we leave this place.

and it's fine if we're a bit late to Mass, okay,

we are busy people,

don't start telling us off for that.

we will be early for interviews, movie shows, and for lunches with friends,

because those things matter,

but we might be a bit tardy for church

as it doesn't matter as much.

because it's all about us

    it's all about us

        it's all about us

            and not about God

indeed, it's not like we really need to be here -

it's the 21st century and we are at last truly enlightened.

we have our phones. we have technology. we have ai.

we are adults and do not take baby steps anymore.

we tell ourselves, we can walk without God

    until

        we

            can't 

Beyond the myriad of grumbling voices,

In the tabernacle of the Church,

In the Most Blessed Sacrament

Of the Holy Eucharist,

Wherein is contained the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ,

Wherein is contained all the riches of the Church,

Wherein is contained the hidden elusive treaure 

That all the universe desperately yearns for,

Before Whom kings, warriors, and noblemen genuflect - 

In this Most Blessed Sacrament,

The Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe -

Revered by the angels of the celestial courts

But not honoured by busier men -

Weeps and weeps and weeps,

As men distract themselves from 

The purest gold and diamonds,

By playing in the mud.

His blessèd Heart, hurt and wounded

By a million arrows from mankind on every side,

Bleeds and bleeds and bleeds for mankind.

Like a prisoner in his own palace,

Like a beggar in his own kingdom,

This King humbly, quietly asks for your love.

What do you say?