Pass the Yams

There are two topics the classic maxim warns us not to bring up at the holiday dinner table: religion and politics. As one of the people responsible for asking, receiving, and thanking you—the parishioners of St. Monica—for your financial gifts to our parish, it would probably be safer and wiser to avoid those topics as well in this last column before Christmas.

The partisan divide illustrates what has been called a ‘crisis of belonging.’ It’s true—we all yearn to belong. We want to be part of something greater than ourselves. At St. Monica, we reach across the aisle to pray the Lord’s Prayer, without judgment or condition. Which is why the gift of Jesus is not only for those gathered in the pews and around the altar. God sent his son for all. And our parish community stands as that safe and brave space where all are welcome: lions can lie down with lambs, the neediest among us come forward beside those perceived to have everything, and where every voice matters.

St. Monica stands as a place of belonging. I hope that we satisfy that yearning for love and acceptance, just as our God teaches. What can serve, support, and sustain that mission? Your generosity. This Christmas, however your offering is expressed, be proud that your contributions are a bold response that enables your parish of St. Monica to heal our crisis of belonging and continue to say, “all are welcome.”