More than Money

Over the past several weeks, an abundance of checks were sent to me (church treasurer), as people were determined to have their sacrificial giving in by the end of the fiscal year.  Often called “church dues”, it appeared to me that many people seem to take that term too literally and view being part of a church as a type of club that requires membership fees.  As checks rolled in, I noticed that there were many people who I did not even realize were members of the church.  No volunteering at parish events, no helping out in various ministries, and no mass attendance.  The mindset among some people seems to be along the lines of, “well, I paid my church dues so now I’m set for another year.”  Of course, our churches need financial support and we need to be generous in our giving but what is the point of “belonging” to a church if we don’t gather as a community to participate in the church and embrace the faith?

What gives people the desire to want to be part of a church but not actively involved?  Aside from being in a nursing home, sick, or physically unable for various reasons, there is nothing that makes sense.  What purpose is there to sending in a check each year just to say “we belong” or “we’re members”?  Anyone can throw some money at a building and call it a day.  But guess what?  Jesus doesn’t just want your money.  More than anything, He wants your heart.  He wants you to know Him and love Him in a deep and personal way.  He does not just want to be another obligation you have or an organization you join.  He wants to be everything for you.

What if every single person who was a “member” of the church was a person who attended mass and shared their gifts and talents with the faith community?  The church would look a lot different.  The church would be on fire and all who identify as Catholic would be excited and vibrant in their faith.  Think of how many people out there are Catholic on paper based on membership lists but fail to embrace the teachings of the Church, and even worse, fail to know and have a relationship with God?  Our church membership lists may be long but the list of those who fully participate and really know God are short.

​Each and every one of us has an infinite desire for love.  That infinite desire is ultimately a desire for God, which is written on the human heart.  No amount of “church dues” or money can satisfy that desire.  Reach out to the people you know who belong to the church but who never show up and pray that they will not just give their money, but their hearts.