In Johnny Cash's song "Sunday Morning Coming Down" he sings about the smell of someone's frying chicken, and then says, "And Lord, it took me back to something that I'd lost / Somewhere, somehow along the way."
I remember my mother's Sunday fried chicken dinner we shared so soon after the Eucharistic meal at the parish church. Then, similar family meals were celebrated for various occasions.
What wouldn't we give to be able to again join mom and dad, relatives or friends who have been born to eternal life? Surprise! We can.
Our family continues to gather on Sunday mornings. We gather in various churches, in different provinces and states, but we unite again with Mom and Dad, with relatives and friends who have gone before us, and with the saints and angels. All unite in song and praise of our God and Father in liturgical celebration.
We still celebrate other family occasions like our traditional New Year's Eve meal, based on a Seder supper. We exchange stories of the past year, relating how we are doing on our journey to the Father, the journey our parents and grandparents have taken before us. And we share the Eucharist that evening and on New Year's morning.
"Do this in memory of me," Jesus said at the Last Supper. Jesus took the occasion of the Jewish Passover meal to pass on to us the greatest gift. We are to share His very life at future meal gatherings. We tell His story and remember.
That is very much in keeping with the sentiment shared at these family meals on Sunday morning. So many times the words of a hymn or a familiar song will choke me as I remember a departed loved one. I try not to show it, so the choir doesn't think it is their singing.
But "blessed memory" chokes us as we sense a real presence in the Communion of Saints. We smile and remember a loved one. I can still hear my dad's tenor voice.
When I think about empty pews in church on Sunday morning I am reminded of John Lennon's comment: "Living is Easy with Eyes Closed." Maybe that is especially true in summer time, when the living is easy.
But sadly, something essential is missing when we miss the joy of joining God's family on Sunday morning. Tasting and sharing the banquet of heaven prepares us for the week ahead where we can be Christ to others and already join in that Kingdom the Father has prepared for us. It is the kingdom of love. You don't have to die to join it.
Sunday morning is coming up. Think of the joy of Jesus and the saints and angels when you come through that church door. "Hi Mom. Dad. Hi brother and Sister."
Sunday clears away the rust of the whole week. Joseph Addison.
