A Family Member or A Visitor

Why do people flock to churches on Aguinaldo/Christmas and Good Friday?

During the past celebration of the Aguinaldo, it came to mind that many of us Catholics consider the parish church as a house we visit on special occasions like birthdays and funerals.

As such, December 25 and the days of Aguinaldo marked the birthday of Jesus. In the same manner, that we visit friends and relatives during their birthday celebration so we also visit the Lord in the church. Similarly, when someone we know dies, we also visit the family of the deceased. So, on Good Friday, people flocked to the church to visit the Santo Intierro, the dead Jesus.

I think this Filipino mindset explains the Filipino cultural behavior of flocking to the church on those particular days.

However, it is the mindset of a visitor, not of a family member.

A family member would not come home not merely to visit but to stay or at least to come back regularly because the home is where you belong. It is the place where people who are important to you are present. It is where you "recharge your batteries" and nourish your heart. It is the place where you are connected.

So, are you just a visitor in the house of God?