This morning at church before the Mass started, I noticed a man with a long grayish ponytail come in and sit a few pews in front of us. He was wearing a black cut-off t-shirt with a motorcycle club on the back. When he arrived, he was greeted by some people who were already seated and had a space for him. There were lots of hugs, hand shaking, and pats on the back. A young man came over and sat next to him. More people arrived as part of the group and the hugging, hand shaking, and back patting started over each time. I was very curious about his story and could not help but observe what was happening. More than once, the man would be overcome with emotion and was sobbing into his bandana. At one point he actually left with one of the women following, but then he came back in a little while later. It seemed to me that his group was a mixture of people who went to church and those that did not or had not in quite some time. During some of the scripture readings and prayers he would nod his head in agreement. Sometimes he would look over at the young man as if he was making a point or looking for his reaction. When it came time for Holy Communion, most of the group made their way to the front of the church to receive, including the man. After he received the host, he went to the chalice that the deacon was holding. They had a little conversation and after receiving from the chalice, the deacon said a few words and patted him on the back. Of course, I never found out exactly what the story was. My parents and I talked about it after Mass and thought of potential scenarios. What I found most meaningful was that no matter what the circumstance, there was an event that brought this man to church – to God. He had a large group of people who were there supporting and loving him who had also made their way to church. Whatever was happening, the man was comfortable enough to be so emotional in that space – even though the majority of the church was composed of strangers. Church was the necessary place to be – God was the necessary connection to be made.

I Found God today in the comfort and openness that people feel in making their way to church in extreme situations – like making their way back home.