Maybe I am getting irritable lately, but I’m really annoyed by the fact that I was stopped at the gate of my local church yesterday. It was a Sunday, around 3pm in the afternoon; and I was trying to walk into the building, when someone I do not personally know tried to stop me and questioned me of my intention.
I have to say I have not experienced something like this before. Especially at a church where I have been attending more or less constantly over the past 30 years – I do not know what would happen if I am just a visiting churchgoer wanting to come and pray. I know of people being denied entrance into UK or USA and had to take the first plane back, but yesterday, even though I did gain entry, feel slightly different.
This church is my home, home of the parishioners. I thought a church is a place to gather, is welcoming, and is not a place for fencing people off, pushing people away. I have no idea why the gate to the church has to be locked, on Sunday of all days, and with the Priest actually inside the building. I know the Parish Priest has his own ideas, and while I respect his position as the one in charge, I also want him to respect us as the host, the backbone of the parish, being here and staying here while Priests come and go.
Yes, I know I am easily annoyed these days, so I shall just shut up.