This parish has many people with cabins at the lake. In some parts of the world, they're called "cottages," but whatever they are, they have an irresistible pull. What they do is pull our congregation away -- weekends at the lake are to be preferred above all else. After the May long weekend (3rd Monday of May for you non-Canadians), Sunday attendance just goes into the tank. And so does almost everything else in church life. We're not unique in this: rural parishes are into seed time, when farmers are on the land night and day. It can get frustrating for a parish priest in these circumstances.

But then I must consider -- this is a "winter country," known for the length and severity of its cold season. It is hard to begrudge people of their summer joys, or their short summer to make a living, however hard that is for farmers today.

Life has its rhythms, which the rhythms of church life echo, but should not try to replicate. The Gospel stands as a counter-rhythm to the drumbeat of the dominant culture, always calling people to discipleship, to be in the world, but not of the world.

Summer marches on, and life slows down, but the Gospel call never wavers. Thanks be to God!