Category: Personal

why?

Source: The Daily Mail

So this story has been doing the rounds of social media. I am not sure I should comment on the story. I do not know the particulars. I am impressed that the priest has chosen to wear choir dress.

So, I will add these general points:

  • What is the aim of the church? Why does the church exist in this world? I am not thinking of secondary or tertiary aims – what is the number one aim of the church? How does this particular sermon serve that aim?
  • What is the point of the sermon? I do wonder why this priest felt the need for that topic. What individual needs to hear this particular point in their faith journey? Does this mark the end of the sermon as it has been traditionally understood?
  • “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2) If this were the last sermon you hear, how would it prepare you for your death?
  • “… they all muddle their water that it may seem deep” (Nietzsche). Does speculation have a role in homiletics?

quick and dead

Do you believe in karma?

Do I believe that actions have consequences? Yes. But maybe that does not mean I believe in karma! Karma, in my understanding, is the idea that my intention (good or bad) makes the consequence for me good or bad. And, above all, I do not believe that I will be reborn – death is final!

I believe that one day Jesus will return (from heaven) to judge “the quick and the dead”. That means, for me, that one day I will be personally held responsible for my choices and actions. Doubt, in this context, is my personal unwillingness to act upon my beliefs. And for that I will be judged by Jesus. So my actions or inactions have consequences today and tomorrow.

Of course, it is early in the morning and I could change my mind by later today.

audience of one

How do you write what people actually want to read?

I appreciate very much everyone who Likes or comments on my posts. If that is you, thank you!

But I write for me. The prompts help me to put things into context. Yet the context is “me”. I have an audience of one. The process of writing helps me to get things straight (sometimes) in my own head (and heart). So I post quotes that help me or random thoughts. More as a collection than an attempt at connection.

Again, if you connect with my posts, I am super happy. Thank you for reading.

stopped going to church

What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?

On Christmas Day three years ago I decided to no longer attend church. I had intended to go. It was the first time in my whole life. I had always been involved. But that day it all became somewhat clear – this is not for me!

I went to Midnight Mass the night before and could not wait for it to end. The sermon was just silly and I did not commune. So it was time to make the hidden visible.

saying “no”

How do you make time for self-care?

This might sound overly simplistic – by simply having the courage to say “no”. “No, that is not for me”. An act of rebellion!

So by putting me before others and not allowing the feeling of duty to motivate me into something that I have no desire to do! Or no desire to be!

The flip side is that when I show up, you get all of me.