23/08/2026
TO THE PEOPLE WHO STOPPED ATTENDING MASS
It is unfortunate to see people stop attending Mass because of what they encountered in the past, what happened recently, or what is currently going on within the Church community.
Hey there, do not let your pain convince you that the Church is no longer a place for you. Do not allow the actions of a few people to separate you from God. Remember, the Church did not hurt you; people within the Church may have hurt you. And although what happened may have been painful, do not allow bitterness to take root in your heart. What someone did to you should not become the reason you distance yourself from God. Forgive those who wronged you, whether knowingly or unknowingly. Forgiveness does not mean pretending that nothing happened; it means choosing not to remain imprisoned by what happened. Give yourself time to heal, but as you heal, continue rebuilding your relationship with God.
LET PEOPLE SEE CHRIST IN YOU
Sometimes, people do not simply stop attending Mass, chitente, or bungwe (section meetings), or any other Church gatherings without a reason. Some withdraw because of how they were treated by others. Some stop coming because of the inappropriate or hurtful words addressed to them while in attendance. Others leave because they felt excluded, unheard, unseen, unappreciated, or made to feel worthless among their fellow parishioners, section members or leaders.
Whenever we gather for Church programmes and activities, we need to ask ourselves: Are we truly working towards building and sustaining the Church, or are our words and actions destroying the very people we are called to bring closer to Christ?
Does love reflect in the way we speak to others? Does mercy guide our actions? Does grace shape our responses? Do we demonstrate understanding towards those who may be struggling, different, or simply finding their place within the community? And for those entrusted with leadership, we must honestly ask ourselves: Are we reflecting servant leadership, or have we exaggerated our leadership mandate to the point of intimidating, humiliating, or disregarding others?
Do not be another cross on their shoulder; rather, pause and reflect on this Scripture:
“Do for others what you want them to do for you.” — Matthew 7:12
Before you judge, criticize, accuse, ignore, or hurt someone, pause and ask yourself: Would I want someone to treat me this way?
Life is already difficult for many people. Do not become another burden they have to carry. Do not add to someone's pain when you could offer kindness, understanding, patience, forgiveness, or simply a listening heart. We all have our struggles, weaknesses, mistakes, and unseen battles. If you would want compassion when you are hurting, then show compassion. If you would want forgiveness when you make a mistake, learn to forgive. If you would want someone to understand you, make an effort to understand others. Be careful how you treat people. The words you speak, the actions you take, and the way you make someone feel may remain with them long after the moment has passed. Sometimes, the greatest act of love is simply choosing not to add to another person's pain.
Leadership in the Church is not a licence to dominate others. It is a call to serve, guide, encourage, correct with love, and help others encounter Christ. Let us therefore be kind, compassionate, patient, and welcoming people who are ready to bring more souls closer to Christ rather than drive them away from the Church or make a name for ourselves that we can talk. Let people see Christ in you. Let them experience His love through your words. Let them encounter His grace through your actions. Let them feel welcomed, valued, heard, and loved whenever they come into the house of God.
Beloved one, I am encouraging you to come back to Church. There is still a place for you. There is still grace for you. There is still a community of faith waiting to walk with you. God continues to invite you into fellowship, prayer, worship, and communion with His children. Do not allow yesterday's wounds to make you reject today's invitation. Seek more grace as you return. Let God's grace speak louder than your pain, and let His love guide your heart. Do not allow the past to become the place where your heart permanently lives.
Heal. Forgive. Pray. Return and Reconnect with God.
The Church is not a gathering of perfect people; it is a community of people who are continually seeking God's mercy, grace, healing, and transformation. Come back, beloved one. God is still calling you. May our Church gatherings become places where people find Christ, healing, belonging, encouragement, and hope—not places where they are made to question their worth.
Build people. Encourage people. Love people. Serve people. And above all, let Christ be seen in you.
