Invisible church?

Back in the day, when it came to building a new church, you found the highest point in the parish, and built there. Naturally, you put a big spire on top, just to make sure the church could be seen for miles around.

Today, if you walk past a church on a hill, the doors will be shut. Unable to open due to COVID-19, the church has went invisible - retreating to front rooms and kitchen tables, or is it more visible, broadcasting over YouTube?

Our readings over the next 2 1/2 weeks explore probe what church is. Today, we discover the church was never meant to be invisible.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16

The church is meant to be noticed. It is to be seen by the whole community. Of course this goes a whole lot deeper than sticking your building in the centre of the village. No, the church is to be light to the community. It is meant to show the community how great God is. It is to love the community as God loves us.

How we do that today is more difficult than a few months ago. But one thing is clear, we are called to be light. We cannot hide away for a while. We cannot be satisfied with worshiping in the privacy of our own homes. We must shine before all people.