The Attempt at Finding Solace Again

I’m finding this blog writing has, of late, become lost in my daily life. Not that it hasn’t been important, but rather that life has been so hectically busy. That said, though I haven’t been publishing on a regular, weekly basis, it is what it is and I will continue to post as I’m able to find time (without brow-beating myself!)

What Happens When There Are No More Churches?

I remember a time during my childhood when my parents would take us to church on Sundays. It was a regular thing, and we went every Sunday (and special days, of course) without fail, unless we were really sick with a fever. For me it was a very comforting feeling: familiar, warm, and lasting. There was tradition that was followed for many years that was mixed into everything we did. The old, red, hymn book we always used to sing the hymns and follow the liturgy were worn, the pages yellowing. The church calendar cycle was the same very year, with the ebbing and flowing of special times; of Advents and Christmases; of Lents and Easters.

Binge-Watching

Who even watches live programming anymore (outside of morning news, that is)? And doesn’t it really say something when even the networks start producing original shows in their entirety only to release the complete series at one time?

Realities of Which We Cannot See

Let’s face it. We’ve all come across those types of people who may seem a bit “off” or “flakey” to us. They’re the ones that talk about “surrounding people with pink bubbles of forgiveness” and “sending love and light.” Or, perhaps they talk about the auras they see around you. With breathy voices, they speak of ethereal and intangible things with flowery speech. And you watch with dismay thinking, “This person has got to be totally off her rocker…”

So What Did You Give Up for Lent?

[From the archives – I thought this one was worth reposting.]

“So what did you give up for Lent?” It’s a frequent question you hear these days – and not just amongst Catholics. Protestants are also known to give things up for Lent. But another more common practice within the past decade is taking up something, rather than giving up something.

Though this is a noble idea to take on something for Lent – like more prayer, or giving more time to the church, or visiting someone more often, or exercising more, or donating more to a worthy cause – I believe its more an invention of today’s Church to mimic religion at a time when religion and spirituality wanes from people’s lives. Hardly a bad thing. Typically, though, it strays from the true issue – the lack of spirituality in the Church which is taught to its members. The Church, in general, has spent (and continues to do so) too much time since Vatican II watering down religion and putting God in a box. Rather than raising man to God, the Church attempts to bring God down to man, and explain Him away like a myth or a science project.

Christianity 2.0

It seems that Christianity and “The Church” (and to be even more precise, as most people call it, “organized religion”) is a completely changed creature since the beginning of the new millenium. The pendulum has swung so far to the left that many people don’t even want to be associated with any kind of religious institution for fear of being branded in some way. If I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard someone proclaim to me, “I’m spiritual, but not religious,” I’d be retired and living in Puerto Rico by now.

It’s like the term “religious” connotes something negative and evil – and with the state of so many churches and religions these days, with their abusive behaviour sex scandals and the financial guilt inflicted on those left behind, I can’t really say that I blame the public for feeling that way.

The Triduum

Once again, we come to the most holy time in the Christian year – what Catholics refer to as the Triduum (Latin for “three days,” or, as my Aunt used to call it, “The Great Three Days.”). Generally, however, these are the days that are less known. Yes, everyone’s heard of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, but few are also familiar with Holy Saturday (or the Easter Vigil), unless one subscribes to the older traditions of the Church.

Ladies and Gentlemen: Saint Clement has Left the Building

Saint Clement’s Church Philadelphia, a great hallmark of Anglo-Catholicism and a standard in the fight for continuing traditional worship and ministry to the poor and needy, died last Sunday at the age of 153.

Saint Clement’s died at her center city home in Philadelphia of complications from a disease contracted from a foreign body. She fought this disease for over a year, said a son who was with her during her demise. Many of her children had left during her illness and she had been sick for “quite a while,” he said. “I just couldn’t continue watching her die like that,” said a daughter distraught over having to leave her behind.

Standing Up for What You Believe

Apparently, religion is no longer a very important part of people’s lives. I’ve written before about religion, and how it doesn’t play a major role in people’s lives any longer. I’ve written about changes I’ve seen personally, and changes in general. I’ve written about secularism invading religion. But the chasm grows ever wider, separating those who feel it is important in their lives and those who couldn’t give a lesser crap about religion, provided they’re still getting their paycheck. This mind-set even moreso affects clergy, who (some) get paid a hefty salary, even though they’re not doing the job for which they’re getting paid.

So What Did You Give Up for Lent?

“So what did you give up for Lent?” It’s a frequent question you hear these days – and not just amongst Catholics. Protestants are also known to give things up for Lent. But another more common practice within the past decade is taking up something, rather than giving up something.

Though this is a noble idea to take on something for Lent – like more prayer, or giving more time to the church, or visiting someone more often, or exercising more, or donating more to a worthy cause – I believe its more an invention of today’s Church to mimic religion at a time when religion and spirituality wanes from people’s lives. Hardly a bad thing. Typically, though, it strays from the true issue – the lack of spirituality in the Church which is taught to its members. The Church, in general, has spent (and continues to do so) too much time since Vatican II watering down religion and putting God in a box. Rather than raising man to God, the Church attempts to bring God down to man, and explain Him away like a myth or a science project.