Perspective on St. Luke
by Michael Bauml

In my time at St. Lukes, I have heard discussions concerning lateness for services, attendance, length of services, and dress codes. Obviously, we should all be on time, attend every service, dress appropriately, and follow every church rule; and just as obviously we don't. So what do we do when people fall short of what is asked of them?

Recently an elderly couple, not from our parish, were visiting St. Lukes on Sunday morning. I spoke with them when they were leaving and they asked me if church was this long every Sunday and why so many people came in late. The substance of my response was that we are all on a spiritual journey and some of us are further along than others, and proceed at different rates. The Bible describes this journey as a race where the important thing is not whether you win or lose, but simply that you finish.

So if one of us falls short of what is asked of them, let us welcome him with an open heart. Did not our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ seek out both saints and the sinners, and embrace them. Let us help each other on our spiritual journey, not with criticism or haughty disapproving looks, but rather by Christian example and loving one another as Christ commanded us.