After reading How to be an annoying Catholic, I resolved to:
- Laugh more
- Be the real me
- Be unexpected
- Know what I believe and why
- Grow a backbone
- Love - live the example of love the sinner, hate the sin
- Pray more
I think God meant for some of this to be easy and others of it to be challenging. In fact, the list wouldn't have had to exist at all but for our fall from Grace. But no, what should be so easy - love one another - is the hardest this we can do. Love has powerful enemies - Fear. Hate. Anger. Bullishness. Contempt. The view of tolerance as a virtue. And more. These are all weapons that we use on each other almost indiscriminately.
I have felt the slings and arrows of all these enemies and these weapons aren't limited to just "those liberals" attacking "we conservatives". I've noticed that these weapons are used whenever any ideological brethren strays from an approved line of belief. Consider Juan Williams and his ejection from NPR or, more prosaically, the damaged career of The Dixie Chicks when lead singer, Natalie Maines, infamously criticized President Bush on the eve of the Iraqi invasion.
As I sit here mulling matters, sorrowing over the state of my world, and wondering what social calamity will hit us next, I really have to just remind myself to suck it up, quit the pity party, focus on the rules above and pay close attention to the example of Pope Francis who simply "lives it" and that, my friends, is no simple thing at all.
5 comments:
Very good!
It's a big boggle, isn't it -- and it does cut both ways. I know we disagree (always civilly, which is why I really like you!) on some political and social issues, but I have to say there is much to be down about no matter what you believe these days.
As for me, I'm just looking forward to heading to the lake where I listen to very little media and just chill for a week.
I hope you have a good holiday!
I really envy you that lake, Jeanie (in that best sense of the word if there is one). Having a retreat is a real sanity saver. I'm grateful for what I do have though because the alternate could be so much worse. Bless you friend. Bridge building has been a wonderful experience with you.
again, well said. the house on Rock, not sand.
Like this post. I'm right there with you.. :)
Keep smiling! I know many days it's hard. Good to see you. :)
Marie
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