So as much as my Catholic experience has frustrated me it has also brought me some sort of enlightenment to the world and myself.
In any case, my favorite Catholic celebration is Christmas. More specifically, the Christmas Eve Vigil.
My family and I enjoy some Chinese cuisine for Christmas Eve dinner and then we head to the midnight mass.
I love the lights and Christmas trees and poinsettias decorating the alter. The Nativity set up in the lobby. The warm smiles and feelings of goodness and togetherness. Despite all the institutional problems created by men (yes, we all know women have no influential leadership positions in the church), this mass always seems to ground me. I feel closer to my family and closer to God. The birth of Christ is a symbol of a new beginning and a stepping off point to do better and to be a better person.
In this religious quest for answers, for understanding and for acceptance, my roots help me to appreciate all that I've learned and all that I want to gain.
Let's go 2012!
In any case, my favorite Catholic celebration is Christmas. More specifically, the Christmas Eve Vigil.
My family and I enjoy some Chinese cuisine for Christmas Eve dinner and then we head to the midnight mass.
I love the lights and Christmas trees and poinsettias decorating the alter. The Nativity set up in the lobby. The warm smiles and feelings of goodness and togetherness. Despite all the institutional problems created by men (yes, we all know women have no influential leadership positions in the church), this mass always seems to ground me. I feel closer to my family and closer to God. The birth of Christ is a symbol of a new beginning and a stepping off point to do better and to be a better person.
In this religious quest for answers, for understanding and for acceptance, my roots help me to appreciate all that I've learned and all that I want to gain.
Let's go 2012!
I agree with you completely. For us Catholics, there is a comfort in tradition, and it's probably the reason the institution has lasted so long. (Even with men in charge). But as we all know, faith is a personal journey, individual in every way. Although we find comfort in our religious regularity and community customs, faith like anything else is a choice. You are free to choose, and isn't that great? Go 2012.
ReplyDeleteyou are absolutely right. I think part of that journey is recognizing the tradition as a comfort and then making your decisions on faith-separate from the politics of the institution-and well, stickin' it to da man!
ReplyDelete