Just yesterday, this touching story made the news: “Vatican City, Jun 8, 2019 / 11:01 a.m. (CNA) — Pope Francis said Saturday, he wants people to recognize the Church as their home and a place where they are always welcome. ‘How I wish,’ he said June 8, that people would recognize the Church ‘for this more than mercy, for this more than humanity and tenderness, of which there is so much need!’ That ‘you would feel at home, the ‘maternal home’ where you are always welcome and where you can always come back,’ he said.”
After reading the powerful words from my spiritual father, my thoughts went directly to John 14:1-3: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.”
This same writer, John, who was inspired by the Holy Spirit, gave us a glimpse of the glory of heaven found in Revelation 21:1-7: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them (as their God). He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, (for) the old order has passed away.’ The one who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ Then he said, ‘Write these words down, for they are trustworthy and true.’ He said to me, ‘They are accomplished. I (am) the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give a gift from the spring of life-giving water. The victor will inherit these gifts, and I shall be his God, and he will be my son.’”
My brothers and sisters, if you have been neglectful in worshiping every Sunday, or you have left the Church, I urge you to return to your Father who gives good gifts to His children (Jas 1:17). In Ezekiel, listen to the loving words of their Father, our Father, as He pleads for them to return: “I will sprinkle clean water over you to make you clean; from all your impurities and from all your idols I will cleanse you. I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my spirit within you so that you walk in my statutes, observe my ordinances, and keep them. You will live in the land I gave to your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God.” (Ez 36:25-28)
If you have strayed from your faith, or if you are struggling with your faith, it is time to make a decision. Don’t ignore the little voice urging you to come home – it is the Holy Spirit tugging at your heart. “Turn away your face from my sins; blot out all my iniquities. A clean heart create for me, God; renew within me a steadfast spirit. Do not drive me from before your face, nor take from me your holy spirit. Restore to me the gladness of your salvation; uphold me with a willing spirit” (Ps 51:11-14). The prodigal son (Lk 15:11-32) returned to his Father and all heaven rejoiced. You are one step away from heaven, but the choice is yours.
Bobby Speers is an author who lives in Hickory.