It's about them

I have been sharing with my friend, Robert, for an age that what has been a mass commitment every Sunday at the cathedral has turned over time into a parish.  I do ask myself why.  I have had my unspoken theory which I do not speak, as it frightens me.  Then just in the last week, it struck me why and I feel relieved.  It is because "it's about them".  

This came to me in the last few days, after my powerful, spiritual experience on visiting the Thai Seven Martyrs Shrine and on hearing from Tony at church about another new initiative rising up from the people coming to the 10am mass.  Over time, I may be the focus because of my role and contribution in the mass, but the church and its ministry are truly raised up by the people, by the faithful.  

This is a paradigm shift for a church that is very much a clerical church, ruled under a monarchical style of control.  Yes, this way does reflect the mainstream, Thai culture and society., but it is applied no less at a cost in our world and Church.  If we want a church of mission that is alive and thriving, it must come from the bottom up; it must rise from the faithful and their dreams, vision and needs.  

I see this so clearly through the eyes and vision of my very good friends from the cathedral - Robert and Tony.  The way to go is to give the faithful space, let them share their dreams, listen to them and let them do it for themselves.  No need to urge control,  Just allow for good order and give people freedom to be and act for the gospel.  Long live the revolution of the gospel!.