GOING TO CHURCH IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH!

Someone once said, “Going to church doesn’t make someone a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes someone a car.” While it may not be a particularly good analogy, the author did make a valid point that the mark of a true Christian is their actions. However, I’d like to propose what I think is a better analogy – “Going to church is like going to the doctor – you need to do both for good health.”

Now most people would agree that going to the doctor on a routine basis is vital for staying healthy and avoiding serious illness. Those who don’t agree usually find this to be true after it’s too late and they’re already extremely ill. Doctors not only treat current illnesses and injuries, but they also provide preventive care to help ward off potential problems before they can occur. Yes, it may not always be convenient to go to the doctor and sometimes the treatments or lifestyle changes prescribed may not be pleasant, but the reward is better health and a longer life.

Likewise, for good spiritual health we must receive the treatment we need, whether it’s for prevention or for a serious condition. Now some will say that it can all be done at home by themselves. But just like our physical health, we need care from trained professionals and the support from others if we hope to achieve and retain good spiritual health. As Catholics, we can receive the Sacraments, especially Holy Communion and Reconciliation, frequently to help be spiritually healthy.

Yes, people who go to church don’t always live up to what God asks of them. That’s because they’re human just like everyone else. But most of us are aware of our failures and yet are striving to become better spiritually. We need the help and grace from Our Lord who is the “Great Physician” for our souls. Please visit Him in church soon. You don’t have to make an appointment and best of all, there’s no waiting room.

                                                                                    Mark Kehoe