Given enough time and distraction people can create new fads, new norms and new laws. Sometimes i think that over the centuries Rome has piled law upon law just as Judaism piled law upon law. The end is the same, namely, distraction. Of course, the argument is that these laws can bring society closer to the Truth, but the Christ came and daily struggled with defenders of Law, trying to remind them, to set their feet back on the truest path to the Lord. They killed him.
Rome and its administrative councils, curia, leaders, resist changes of the times as merely trends that can bring chaos, unnecessary discussions and weaken the framework of their mandate. Yet over the past 2000 years, Rome resembles nothing like the original Churches as set up by the apostles. Times change, circumstances change, we say. The Roman State embraced Christianity. Power. Wealth. Status. Some fled into the dessert such as St. Anthony. We have numerous schisms, such as the Orthodox and Protestant. When one chooses Jesus, which vehicle best suits the pilgrim who seeks Truth?
Each is valid? This is a modern conception and only recently has Rome grudgingly accepted this political view.
Or does one act locally and speak globally? Joining a church group, one chooses to grow in an environment which feels most right. Sounds commercial, me thinks. Who's got the best advertising? Best music and speakers? Sounds like a recipe for acting on whims, emotions and bling, me thinks. As for global numbers, the only sheep Jesus counted was the one that got lost.
Proudly following the traditions of the family is an option, unless as an individual one believes that these traditions are not helpful, such as in a family of non-believers or non-practitioners. In today's gospel we read that Jesus is amazed at the lack of faith in those people in his home village.
A prophet is not without honour except in his native place among his own kin and in his own house (Mk 6:4)
How does one continue ones path? To daily confirm ones faith, to seek re-union with the Father, to maintain the necessary vigilance for leading a good life and to embrace the divinely offered grace in such a way that one can share it with his neighbours through forgiveness, kindness and prayer? With a stilled mind and heart, I pray the Holy Ghost might light the way ... or at least give me a tip.
Oremus:
I pray that all Christians are reminded daily what it is to be a Christian, even if the outward appearance of our faith differs. Amen.
Deo gratias.
Rome and its administrative councils, curia, leaders, resist changes of the times as merely trends that can bring chaos, unnecessary discussions and weaken the framework of their mandate. Yet over the past 2000 years, Rome resembles nothing like the original Churches as set up by the apostles. Times change, circumstances change, we say. The Roman State embraced Christianity. Power. Wealth. Status. Some fled into the dessert such as St. Anthony. We have numerous schisms, such as the Orthodox and Protestant. When one chooses Jesus, which vehicle best suits the pilgrim who seeks Truth?
Each is valid? This is a modern conception and only recently has Rome grudgingly accepted this political view.
Or does one act locally and speak globally? Joining a church group, one chooses to grow in an environment which feels most right. Sounds commercial, me thinks. Who's got the best advertising? Best music and speakers? Sounds like a recipe for acting on whims, emotions and bling, me thinks. As for global numbers, the only sheep Jesus counted was the one that got lost.
Proudly following the traditions of the family is an option, unless as an individual one believes that these traditions are not helpful, such as in a family of non-believers or non-practitioners. In today's gospel we read that Jesus is amazed at the lack of faith in those people in his home village.
A prophet is not without honour except in his native place among his own kin and in his own house (Mk 6:4)
How does one continue ones path? To daily confirm ones faith, to seek re-union with the Father, to maintain the necessary vigilance for leading a good life and to embrace the divinely offered grace in such a way that one can share it with his neighbours through forgiveness, kindness and prayer? With a stilled mind and heart, I pray the Holy Ghost might light the way ... or at least give me a tip.
Oremus:
I pray that all Christians are reminded daily what it is to be a Christian, even if the outward appearance of our faith differs. Amen.
Deo gratias.
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