Romans 5:1-2

“Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand;” vs. 1-2a

There are some people who stopped going to worship during COVID times and discovered that they really didn’t miss it. They liked having Sunday mornings free and found that they could fill their spiritual needs just as well in walks beside still waters and quiet evenings on their patios. So now they’re wondering why they should ever go back to church–they certainly haven’t missed the doctrinal disputes or political fractures. Some who return will come for the reason laid out by Paul in his letter to the Romans. They’ve fallen in love with Jesus in the course of their lives and they know that in his presence they have access to the grace which gives them peace in daily living. It isn’t that God will love them more if they worship–God’s love is unconditional and not dependent on our behavior.  But it’s in worship that they can come together as a community of faith and feast on the body and blood of Jesus in Holy Communion. It might sound crazy but that experience, which can’t be easily replicated in the world, gives them a taste of a life that overflows with love. It’s true that grace is everywhere, but it is particularly present in the eating and the drinking that is the center of worship. And we are blessed as we return to Christ’s Table!

Thought for the Day: What church stuff did I miss during COVID?