Faithful Vs. Tourist | Season 4 Ep 1

Notre Dame de Paris used to have separate lines for the faithful to enter. Since reopening after the fire they have said they are only open for the faithful. (Wink,wink.) Tours are not allowed at this time. (Again, wink, wink.) No tickets are being sold.  You should see all the line of all the “faithful”.  Mac and I went in March over spring break.  We actually stayed on the same street, just five doors down from the famed cathedral. Luckily, my friend is an expat and a phenomenal tour guide.  She is an author and historian (https://www.claudinehemingway.com/) She took us, part of the faithful, for a visit.

She and I talked about the faithful vs the tourist.  Really, is there a way to distinguish? Even the security don’t question people. Folks just pour in.  As we were sitting in one the chapels talking about the faithful, a huge Asian group was milling around. Look, let’s be honest, we can probably bet these people were not catholic…or even Christian. But there they were. Honestly, it was an eye roll moment for me.  But then I was struck by a scripture in Philippians.  

Paul is talking about people that promote Christ for ulterior motives.  But he says, “Good.” Regardless of why they are sharing the Gospel, it is still getting out. Whether they are truly faithful is irrelevant. The same can be said for the visitors to European churches. Folks are still gazing upon and taking pictures of beautiful paintings, stained glass, tapestries that tell the story of Christ.  The message is still being seen/heard. Who knows what might happen as that slide show is played?