All Saints Day - Holy Days of Obligation - November 1, 2009
It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: "A voice of one crying out in the desert, 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.'" Matthew 3:3
There is a brilliancy in the design and actions of the Church. There is a beautifulness in the simple projection of God’s love, mercy, and compassion. There is a distinctness in the traditions and the re-interpretations of the traditions by the priests. There is an axis of Faith with both the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist providing hope and guidance. The pastoralism of the Catholic Church is symmetrical and alive in everyone of us. Our Baptism begun our individual distinct pastoralism.
There is a straightness of connection between the Church and God which should not be downplayed, can not be forgotten. The world needs to be reminded of this loving, gentle connection, this nurturing, luminous relationship between God and his believers.
The moment we walk into Mass we become part of the Catholic Church’s living pastoralism. Our actions, both individual and collective, suggest the beautiful mystery of each of our spiritual lives. Our actions present our witness to our belief and faith in God. Our actions are a mixture of love, hope, obedience, faith, humility, charity, mercy and so many other things which produce goodness.
Spiritual life and spiritual guidance both are always on display and both are amazingly frequently non-verbal, silent moments to be glanced, or watched momentarily. They ask only for our respect. For me one of the most powerful moments occurs when I see people praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Whether it is one person or ten, the prayers, sometimes with rosaries, sometimes without, remain personal, private. They are between God and the individuals, sometimes kneeling, sometimes seated with their heads bowed.
Our spiritual guidance extends beyond the homily to how we interact within the Church community. Our regular Church attendance is a good start. But the more we volunteer and participate in the various committees and ministries the more our spiritual lives as Catholics will grow and radiate through our daily deeds and actions. Being Christian is based upon truisms and commandments which instruct us to simplify our lives, be humble, be meek, love one another.
Too often we allow ourselves to interpret and associate our Christian lives within the specific church and the specific time when we worship together as a community. Too often we allow our secular lives filled with instant gratification and bad grammar to challenge the simple commandment to love one another.
We live in a time when each and every Catholic needs to bear witness to the beauty, grace, and love of God.
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat (or drink), or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Matthew 6:25
Pedro! I like this entry. You mention the beauty of all our spiritual lives at Mass. I understand the splendid garments worn by priests/bishops symbolize just that.... the projection of our spirits onto the celebrant. (I learned this only recently).
ReplyDelete