There was a time, when I was a Catholic (I'm an Episcopalian now), when I was between churches. I wanted the faith experience of a liturgical service, but I was struggling with the Catholic Church's teachings on certain topics, such as human sexuality and women's roles in the Church.
A friend had invited me to a Mass hosted by a organization of gay Catholics (a group of Catholics but not officially sanctioned by the Catholic Church) called Dignity. There was a rotation of diocesan priests that led the Mass.
So here I am, surveying my surroundings, waiting for the Mass to begin, when I see a scruffy old gentleman with a bit of stubble take a seat not too far away. Since he was evidently in silent prayer, people gave him his space. I thought, "How nice that these people are so accepting of anyone who walks in, especially a homeless person like this man."
I spent a few moments bowed in silence. When I looked up, I saw our priest for the evening. A scruffy old man, now wearing a liturgical stole, greeted us.
"Good evening. I'm Father John."
1 Samuel 16:7
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
From BibleGateway.com
From BibleGateway.com
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