It is easy
to go for Mass,
to make a contribution
to the offertory bag,
to join the Stations of the Cross.
Practising the faith can feel easy.

But being in a community,
sharing the Word of God
week after week,
becoming companions
on the same journey —
that is tough.

It is messy.
Challenging.
Sometimes uncomfortable.

The pew is comfortable.
Going beyond the pews
is a risk.

It opens the door
to conflict,
disappointment,
misunderstanding.

You could have remained
a good practising Jew,
like the Pharisees
and the scribes.
But You crossed the line —
from comfort and safety
to giving Your life.

Can we live our faith
by following in Your footsteps?
Is this what discipleship means?

“Guard your Church, we pray, O Lord, in your unceasing mercy,
and, since without you mortal humanity is sure to fall,
may we be kept by your constant helps from all harm
and directed to all that brings salvation.”