In an increasingly atomized society whose many members have lost direction, purpose and hope the message of the Church must remain relevant, Péter Erdő, Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest and Primate of Hungary wrote in his Easter message.
Rmx.news points out that the Archbishop said there are many who worryingly realize that attendance of Sunday Mass is falling. Of course, so is the population of Hungary and many are also seeking better livelihoods abroad. But it seems there is another reason behind the fall, too. And is not the temptation of a different world view, but rather fragmentation, loss of purpose and hope or even plain and simple convenience.
But if Mass is indeed at the center of our faith and religious life, it must also adapt to convey importance, joy and love to all who come to us. A clean, properly lit church with suitable amplification is part of this.
As is our message, which we must think about not only as a repetition of parts from the Scripture, but as something that touches us, the participants. As we prepare for it, we must ask ourselves: What do I want to teach the audience about? If I can answer this question, I can also have reason to believe that the message will reach the audience.
If Sunday Mass can be instrumental in helping the audience share the experience with their entire being, then it will also reinforce an active community and make us more magnanimous in a material sense.
So let this Easter also be a renewal of our Sundays, of Eucharistic life and church communities! Because with his resurrection Jesus Christ has not only given the gift of life to the individual, but to the Church as well.