...I were a religious man. But I have decided that I am not really religious, I just wish I were.
Oh I believe all right. Of that have no doubt. But I have to question whether I am actually religious. If I were really religious, I do some things very differently than I do now.
I'd put myself second a lot more than I do. I would also be more responsive to the will of the Lord--I would treat him as my Lord, in a very literal sense, with my ear always cocked for the sound of his voice, instead of stuffed with music and news and conversations for the sake of themselves. If I were religious I'd spend much more time in front of the Blessed Sacrament, where any man is privileged beyond human reckoning to kneel! If I were religious, I'd spend much more time praying for the sake of prayer, rather than the sake of piety, taking my greatest joy in speaking to and listening for My Lord.
I'd complain a lot less about the Bishops and the problems in the Church, and spend more time being the Change I think we need. I'd learn to sing the hymns instead of just listening and singing in my head, for the sake of raising my voice in praise. I'd be more apt to go out of my way to serve God through His Church.
If I were really a religious man, I'd smile more, laugh more and be joyful more, because just look at all the blessings I have to be joyful about!!!!! I spend more time playing with kids, telling them stories and teaching them about the Saints and Sacraments. I'd cook more, and invite more people to share the table.
If I were really religious I wouldn't feel bad about my lack of teeth, because I'd be staring in wonder at the very idea of teeth.
If I were really religious I wouldn't go to confession every six to eight weeks--I'd go every week, with less cause, and greater rejoicing at the mystery and wonder of absolution.
If I were religious I wouldn't be so aghast at politics, because I would be too busy praying for our leaders, and be trusting in the Lord God of Heaven and Earth, and looking forward to the Parousia--not worrying about our liberties, and well being, but trusting in Providence that i would end up in Heaven, for eternity, the which makes whatever happens to us here just a short snap of the fingers.
If I were religious, I wouldn't shy away from so many people I meet, thinking them dangerous, or smelly or nuts, not considering that they are outcasts or stupid or troublesome. Instead, I would greet each as a child of God, a unique creation, as I believe them to be, and keep in mind that Jesus died for them too. And for even the most repugnant, I would remember that lepers Jesus cured, and those that Francis loved.
I believe, all the way, without reservations. But I really wish I were a religious man.
Oh I believe all right. Of that have no doubt. But I have to question whether I am actually religious. If I were really religious, I do some things very differently than I do now.
I'd put myself second a lot more than I do. I would also be more responsive to the will of the Lord--I would treat him as my Lord, in a very literal sense, with my ear always cocked for the sound of his voice, instead of stuffed with music and news and conversations for the sake of themselves. If I were religious I'd spend much more time in front of the Blessed Sacrament, where any man is privileged beyond human reckoning to kneel! If I were religious, I'd spend much more time praying for the sake of prayer, rather than the sake of piety, taking my greatest joy in speaking to and listening for My Lord.
I'd complain a lot less about the Bishops and the problems in the Church, and spend more time being the Change I think we need. I'd learn to sing the hymns instead of just listening and singing in my head, for the sake of raising my voice in praise. I'd be more apt to go out of my way to serve God through His Church.
If I were really a religious man, I'd smile more, laugh more and be joyful more, because just look at all the blessings I have to be joyful about!!!!! I spend more time playing with kids, telling them stories and teaching them about the Saints and Sacraments. I'd cook more, and invite more people to share the table.
If I were really religious I wouldn't feel bad about my lack of teeth, because I'd be staring in wonder at the very idea of teeth.
If I were really religious I wouldn't go to confession every six to eight weeks--I'd go every week, with less cause, and greater rejoicing at the mystery and wonder of absolution.
If I were religious I wouldn't be so aghast at politics, because I would be too busy praying for our leaders, and be trusting in the Lord God of Heaven and Earth, and looking forward to the Parousia--not worrying about our liberties, and well being, but trusting in Providence that i would end up in Heaven, for eternity, the which makes whatever happens to us here just a short snap of the fingers.
If I were religious, I wouldn't shy away from so many people I meet, thinking them dangerous, or smelly or nuts, not considering that they are outcasts or stupid or troublesome. Instead, I would greet each as a child of God, a unique creation, as I believe them to be, and keep in mind that Jesus died for them too. And for even the most repugnant, I would remember that lepers Jesus cured, and those that Francis loved.
I believe, all the way, without reservations. But I really wish I were a religious man.
6 comments:
For all your reasons, and some more of my own, I wish a was a religious woman.
If you really want to be religious, then I am sure you are.
And I am quite sure that both of you are. We are weak. Trying our best is the best we can do.
I trust God will accept that. If not, I'm lost.
Life is about improvement and not perfection. You're doing okay.
Left-Footer, I think you put your finger on the crux of the matter.
The question each must ask himself is: Am I really trying my best?
Or am I doing just what is required?
I really like this post.
I've often thought, after moving to this area full of Senior Citizens, that unless we work at becoming more like Christ we're doomed to become just more of ourselves.
Blech.
Lola - "unless we work at becoming more like Christ we're doomed to become just more of ourselves" - this I am sure is profoundly true, and something I think I have been guilty of.
Thank you, and God bless you all!
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