Julie Was Ahead of the Curve

By Becky Kasha

     I saw Julie Ehrensbeck last week at Schnucks. We were both doing the Evansville pre-snow shopping spree! After catching up, Julie cautiously asked if something was wrong, because she hadn’t seen me at Mass lately “…and I miss you!” I was surprised that she had noticed my absence, and was touched by her concern, and I made it a point to go to Mass that weekend. Coincidentally, that same weekend Father Knapp mentioned that Mass attendance had been down of late and encouraged the congregation to seek out people, like me, who had been AWOL lately….Julie was ahead of the curve!

     This all got me thinking about why I wasn’t attending Mass regularly. Hmmmm. My attendance started to drop off this summer when I had minor back surgery and couldn’t sit on the pew without wincing. Then marching band started and we were helping our son at his weekend competitions. By the time marching season was over, I wasn’t going even when I didn‘t have a conflict. Hmmmm. So what’s my problem, I wondered? I love the people at CTK, I enjoy the music, I like the time for quiet reflection, and the homilies are thought provoking and constructive (I especially like ones that give me one specific idea to ruminate on all week).

      I was left to conclude that I had become lazy! It was less effort to stay home watching football or to sleep in. Not much of an excuse, but that’s all I’ve got! So, I plan to be back in my routine and resist the inertia that winter brings. And I will take the lead from Julie Ehrensbeck and seek out others who might just need a gentle prod. Thanks, Julie!