Then, what IF you were right (scary, isn't it?)... that would mean it's just going to be very hard to be Catholic. I should not be scared, I am having a lot of practice in my daily living!
What a lovely graphic -- the Holy Father is sitting like a restless altar boy..I love it.
In every Rosary, Mass, and holy Communion well undertaken within ourselves, whatever we stay true to, that's as good as it gets. It's from there, I'd say, with the Holy Spirit that we sow the kingdom; we do not harvest and thus may not know what we've done in this life simply by our example or by what springs from our love. It is one of those now and not yet times, isn't it?
Mr. T - I have had this same question float through my mind several times in the past 4-years. As you know there is much I can say about the "what if", but much has already been written throughout the centuries.
I am on the final chapters of The End of the Present World, by Fr. Charles Arminjon and I cannot help but think how its contents dovetails so well with the reflection placed on the table for chewing by Rene Girard in his article published this month in First Things titled, On War and Apocalypse.
I can visualize a better world, but I can accept that this can be as good as it gets unless there is a massive conversion of hearts out there ... beginning with my own.
Anyway, I don't see the "what if" scenario that you propose so much as "scary", but a sad situation because we all have the ability to change it, if we dare ... to co-operate with His will.
Paula - we may think alike on this. It really hit me last night - how we tend to misunderstand things - the natural tendency is to expect utopia - the peaceable kingdom on earth. Thus everyone looks to his own idea of what that is. For instance, trads look forward to a Universal church restored to all of its grandeur - just as it is supposed to be. While progressives expect total peace in a completely new world order - the elimination of poverty and suffering - and ultimately the elimination of the last enemy death. No more death - perfect healthcare;no conflict, all religions equal, and so on.
Anyway - congratulations Paula - you get me! How scary for you! LOL!
Thank Pml for sharing your thoughts. God always gives us grace to change our hearts, but if we look at humanity in general, we can see the influence of original sin for generations after generations. So we try and fail again. Do we even know what goodness really is? Do we even know what mortification is? This is maybe "springtime" (maybe), but as the more and more people choose to put God aside, we can expect things to deteriorate very quickly. We have plenty of examples to prove this is happening.
It is indeed a cute picture of John Paul II. If we look closely,however, we can't help notice a man on the left peeking (listening?) and then look at the Holy Father's feet turned inwared: a sign that he is not comfortable with himself? BS psychology of course, but as a child, I was told to put my feet straight, certainly not the way John Paul II has his!!
Please comment with charity and avoid ad hominem attacks. I exercise the right to delete comments I find inappropriate. If you use your real name there is a better chance your comment will stay put.
+JMJ+
ReplyDeleteThat Terry! Such a comedian!
(Seriously, now . . . but do you really want my serious thoughts?)
Terry,
ReplyDeleteThanks for that little ray of sunshine.Kinda like saying that heaven is just like the play area at McDonalds.
Then, what IF you were right (scary, isn't it?)... that would mean it's just going to be very hard to be Catholic.
ReplyDeleteI should not be scared, I am having a lot of practice in my daily living!
Yeah - I went to bed with these thoughts. I need a life! LOL!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely graphic -- the Holy Father is sitting like a restless altar boy..I love it.
ReplyDeleteIn every Rosary, Mass, and holy Communion well undertaken within ourselves, whatever we stay true to, that's as good as it gets. It's from there, I'd say, with the Holy Spirit that we sow the kingdom; we do not harvest and thus may not know what we've done in this life simply by our example or by what springs from our love. It is one of those now and not yet times, isn't it?
That's a scary thought! St. Michael, protect us!
ReplyDeleteMr. T - I have had this same question float through my mind several times in the past 4-years. As you know there is much I can say about the "what if", but much has already been written throughout the centuries.
ReplyDeleteI am on the final chapters of The End of the Present World, by Fr. Charles Arminjon and I cannot help but think how its contents dovetails so well with the reflection placed on the table for chewing by Rene Girard in his article published this month in First Things titled, On War and Apocalypse.
I can visualize a better world, but I can accept that this can be as good as it gets unless there is a massive conversion of hearts out there ... beginning with my own.
Anyway, I don't see the "what if" scenario that you propose so much as "scary", but a sad situation because we all have the ability to change it, if we dare ... to co-operate with His will.
Paula - we may think alike on this. It really hit me last night - how we tend to misunderstand things - the natural tendency is to expect utopia - the peaceable kingdom on earth. Thus everyone looks to his own idea of what that is. For instance, trads look forward to a Universal church restored to all of its grandeur - just as it is supposed to be. While progressives expect total peace in a completely new world order - the elimination of poverty and suffering - and ultimately the elimination of the last enemy death. No more death - perfect healthcare;no conflict, all religions equal, and so on.
ReplyDeleteAnyway - congratulations Paula - you get me! How scary for you! LOL!
Enbrethiliel - yes - I do want your serious thoughts.
ReplyDelete... what hoot, dear T... what hoot!
ReplyDelete+JMJ+
ReplyDeleteOh, my! I think I just had a vanitas vanitatum moment after reading your reply, Terry! =P
I'll need a little longer to bring my *ahem* "serious thoughts" into some coherence.
Thank Pml for sharing your thoughts. God always gives us grace to change our hearts, but if we look at humanity in general, we can see the influence of original sin for generations after generations. So we try and fail again. Do we even know what goodness really is? Do we even know what mortification is? This is maybe "springtime" (maybe), but as the more and more people choose to put God aside, we can expect things to deteriorate very quickly. We have plenty of examples to prove this is happening.
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed a cute picture of John Paul II. If we look closely,however, we can't help notice a man on the left peeking (listening?) and then look at the Holy Father's feet turned inwared: a sign that he is not comfortable with himself? BS psychology of course, but as a child, I was told to put my feet straight, certainly not the way John Paul II has his!!
ReplyDelete