It is difficult to convey to someone who doesn't live in a rectory what it actually is like. First, let me explain what a rectory is. It is simply the residence of a pastor (not necessarily Catholic). This home for clergy is usually owned by the Church that he ministers to. Most often the rectory is attached to the Church itself or is very close in proximity to the Church. The rectory is usually a sanctuary of sorts, a place of repose for a pastor after a long days work in ministry.
Today I had to reflect on the importance of a good rectory because I'm in a good one right now near Auburn University in Alabama. Once again, we were dependent upon the good-will of a contact on the road and in this case it was Joshua, a man who has applied for summer staff. He contacted Father Bill from St. Michael the Archangel Parish to see if we could stay in his rectory for the night. Grateful to God he opened the door of his rectory to put us up for the night.
These gestures and many like them have happened time and time again. Walking into this rectory was like walking into a home. It was a safe sanctuary that seemed like I had been in many times before. This feeling of solidarity is unique to the office of priesthood and the common bond of being priests shares the sentiments of a good "man cave" or rectory. Tonight I was able to put my feet up, share in great conversation with a pastor and his associate and feel right at home.
What a great blessing this is. God wants to make his home in us. He wants us to make room for Him just like room was made ready for us this evening. This invitation of grace by God is a welcome blessing to the isolation we can easily fall prey to in our lives. Today's experience is yet another reminder to me to reconsider the important gift of hospitality. It is a call to have a heart of gratitude for the rectory--the quiet and necessary sanctuary of the priest. It is an invitation to open my heart to Christ so that he may have room in my soul so that I may become more like Him.
No comments:
Post a Comment