Let us proclaim the mystery of the Holy Spirit
AMEN.
This seems a good a time as any to start a space not exclusively read by friends and acquaintances. The Inaugural Mass of Pope Benedict XVI is on and, though, I'd said I'd pay greater attention to it, the truth is I have it on in the background and have paid attention only to the readings and portions of the Homily.
The irony of this is that the Pope is now speaking about making your relationship with Christ close and personal. This is very true and something which I strive to do. It is easy, though, to tune human beings out. The fact that I would love to belong to a congregation and instead choose to watch church services or Mass on TV speaks to my reticence at the hypocrisy and inflexibility that I find in most churches I visit. I am not afraid of Christ or of His Word. Rather, I am frustrated by intolerance and the in-fighting that happens within and between the Christian churches.
I believe in one, holy and apostolic church--the catholic, or universal, church--Christ's church. (No, I did not forget to capitalize the 'c' in 'catholic.') For me, this includes all churches which proclaim Christ as their Lord and Savior, the Messiah, the Son of God and of Man. Universal. Christian. Centered on Christ. Loving. Peaceful. Helpful. Compassionate. Faithful. Full of the Eternal Light. Eternal Hope. Forever and ever.
Peace be with you in the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
This seems a good a time as any to start a space not exclusively read by friends and acquaintances. The Inaugural Mass of Pope Benedict XVI is on and, though, I'd said I'd pay greater attention to it, the truth is I have it on in the background and have paid attention only to the readings and portions of the Homily.
The irony of this is that the Pope is now speaking about making your relationship with Christ close and personal. This is very true and something which I strive to do. It is easy, though, to tune human beings out. The fact that I would love to belong to a congregation and instead choose to watch church services or Mass on TV speaks to my reticence at the hypocrisy and inflexibility that I find in most churches I visit. I am not afraid of Christ or of His Word. Rather, I am frustrated by intolerance and the in-fighting that happens within and between the Christian churches.
I believe in one, holy and apostolic church--the catholic, or universal, church--Christ's church. (No, I did not forget to capitalize the 'c' in 'catholic.') For me, this includes all churches which proclaim Christ as their Lord and Savior, the Messiah, the Son of God and of Man. Universal. Christian. Centered on Christ. Loving. Peaceful. Helpful. Compassionate. Faithful. Full of the Eternal Light. Eternal Hope. Forever and ever.
Peace be with you in the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.