Your posting saddened me and I thought of a Richard Rohr quote I’ve been thinking about a lot about recently - "We worshiped Jesus instead of following him on his same path. We made Jesus into a mere religion instead of a journey toward union with God and everything else. This shift made us into a religion of 'belonging and believing' instead of a religion of transformation."
Paul - thanks for articulating my unease with settlings like the conference. Back in the 90's, it was pretty common for Catholics (especially graduates of Catholic colleges) to do post-grad service programs. I did a program with Franciscans (conventual) and a second year with the Sisters of Mercy. So much of my experience consisted of simple communal living and prayer, and then working with those on the margins. Our prayers often asked God to help us to do God's work on earth (you know - being hands and feet of God...).
I know I should be excited by moments of eucharistic adoration, and it shouldn't be mutually exclusive from service to others. But much like you articulated, it seems to be what the 'good' Catholics do, and it seems to have such a heavy dose of culture wars attached to it There doesn't seem to be much in the spirit of "the eucharist nourishes us to help build the kingdom of God and share the Good News" and more of a smaller, purer church feel. If you're not on the same page about things to be outraged about, many who are excited by people like Christ wonder do you even believe?
All of this can sound like I'm looking for something to drive me bonkers about the culture of American Catholicism, but it hits home in real ways. Our parish has had many speakers similar to Chris speak at our parish missions. When parishioners have asked why I wasn't going, and I replied "it's not really my style," their replies were often "if your faith was truly important to you, you'd be there." The only way to engage in youth ministry is through events like the conference you attended. This culture has taken over so many parishes, and it feels like the only way to be Catholic. There almost seems to be a pushiness that this is the only way to evangelize
Is possible the conference didn't resonate because it's not aimed at someone who has been walking with Jesus for a long time? I wasn't there but usually those things start with trying to meet the kids where they are swimming in the water of the culture, and lead them gently to the solid ground that is the Lord. Again, you have more information than me. Just asking the question.
Thank you for your beautiful reflection. Jesus' ministry was inseparably linked to poor and marginalized people. The Catholic Chuch's history of service to people in need is extraordinary - hospitals and health clinics, food programs, schools, and housing. In order to grow in the most efficient and safest ways possible, however, these social services have largely been professionalized, which I expect is a relief to most of us. It's uncomfortable to come face-to-face with someone who challenges our sense of security and reminds us that Jesus did not limit who he called neighbor. Your reflection also reminds me that our common aversion to discomfort and need for affirmation has also opened the doors to prosperity gospel theology in which faith is rewarded by wealth and physical well being. Here, worship is highly produced and a worship leader is the center of attention. Jesus is sidelined, especially from Gospel readings that demonstrate God's love for those without power or wealth. In this rarified atmosphere, emotions are incited and confirm that God is in our midst. Pope Leo answered God's call to walk with the poor of the world and in his every word and action is inviting us to do the same. Like Jesus, he's asking us to hold the poor and marginalized people of our world close to our hearts and invite them into our lives. I sincerely pray I answer that call.
Your posting saddened me and I thought of a Richard Rohr quote I’ve been thinking about a lot about recently - "We worshiped Jesus instead of following him on his same path. We made Jesus into a mere religion instead of a journey toward union with God and everything else. This shift made us into a religion of 'belonging and believing' instead of a religion of transformation."
Amen! Thank you, Paul. This resonates with me as I am gearing up to work a conference. We live as members of a Body broken and shared.
Eucharist ought to be more a verb than a noun. Thanks for your reflection.
Paul - thanks for articulating my unease with settlings like the conference. Back in the 90's, it was pretty common for Catholics (especially graduates of Catholic colleges) to do post-grad service programs. I did a program with Franciscans (conventual) and a second year with the Sisters of Mercy. So much of my experience consisted of simple communal living and prayer, and then working with those on the margins. Our prayers often asked God to help us to do God's work on earth (you know - being hands and feet of God...).
I know I should be excited by moments of eucharistic adoration, and it shouldn't be mutually exclusive from service to others. But much like you articulated, it seems to be what the 'good' Catholics do, and it seems to have such a heavy dose of culture wars attached to it There doesn't seem to be much in the spirit of "the eucharist nourishes us to help build the kingdom of God and share the Good News" and more of a smaller, purer church feel. If you're not on the same page about things to be outraged about, many who are excited by people like Christ wonder do you even believe?
All of this can sound like I'm looking for something to drive me bonkers about the culture of American Catholicism, but it hits home in real ways. Our parish has had many speakers similar to Chris speak at our parish missions. When parishioners have asked why I wasn't going, and I replied "it's not really my style," their replies were often "if your faith was truly important to you, you'd be there." The only way to engage in youth ministry is through events like the conference you attended. This culture has taken over so many parishes, and it feels like the only way to be Catholic. There almost seems to be a pushiness that this is the only way to evangelize
Is possible the conference didn't resonate because it's not aimed at someone who has been walking with Jesus for a long time? I wasn't there but usually those things start with trying to meet the kids where they are swimming in the water of the culture, and lead them gently to the solid ground that is the Lord. Again, you have more information than me. Just asking the question.
Thank you for your beautiful reflection. Jesus' ministry was inseparably linked to poor and marginalized people. The Catholic Chuch's history of service to people in need is extraordinary - hospitals and health clinics, food programs, schools, and housing. In order to grow in the most efficient and safest ways possible, however, these social services have largely been professionalized, which I expect is a relief to most of us. It's uncomfortable to come face-to-face with someone who challenges our sense of security and reminds us that Jesus did not limit who he called neighbor. Your reflection also reminds me that our common aversion to discomfort and need for affirmation has also opened the doors to prosperity gospel theology in which faith is rewarded by wealth and physical well being. Here, worship is highly produced and a worship leader is the center of attention. Jesus is sidelined, especially from Gospel readings that demonstrate God's love for those without power or wealth. In this rarified atmosphere, emotions are incited and confirm that God is in our midst. Pope Leo answered God's call to walk with the poor of the world and in his every word and action is inviting us to do the same. Like Jesus, he's asking us to hold the poor and marginalized people of our world close to our hearts and invite them into our lives. I sincerely pray I answer that call.