Thursday, March 14, 2013

One Pope Brings Hope



The Church in Spain where I got married
 
I have always had a strong faith in God, and I have felt him throughout my life. Not so much with organized religion—I’m a non-practicing Catholic. My mother was a devout Catholic, went to Church regularly, prayed daily and wanted her children to follow in her faith as well. Unfortunately, I had a hard time taking to the church. I didn’t believe in some of the sermons, and I always felt that the bible is just a small guide for our faith and that we shouldn’t take it literally.

Now that I married in a Catholic Church, I find myself wanting to return to the Church, but take from it what helps me with my faith. For example, several weeks ago, the priest we sat and listened to (well, since it was in German, I sat in my own thoughts while my husband later interpreted what the priest said) was a radical priest. He condemned so many people that there wasn’t anyone left to condemn. If the Catholic Church wanted to bring in parishioners, he wasn’t the one to assign to the task. My husband felt disgusted after mass, and didn’t want to go anymore. I told him all we have to do is avoid that priest’s masses. There’s nothing wrong with going to mass and following God’s word—taking away from it what guides our faith. At least, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it.

Religion, like many things, is very personal. Some don’t believe at all, some are up in the air, some are like me, and some have strong religious convictions. But no matter what, I couldn’t help watching CNN the past few days, waiting to hear from the new Pope. I’ve never done that in the past, but for some reason I found so much hope and change hanging in the air. Flags from different countries stood high in the crowds of people gathering in St. Peter’s square. Anderson Cooper interviewed several people from all parts of the world, and they also stated that they were looking for hope and change.

With all that’s gone on in the Catholic Church regarding sexual abuses, people want action and punishment against these priests. Catholics also want to see a change in bringing the church up-to-date in relation to the parishioners.

I couldn’t help but tear up watching all the people from all walks of life gather together in peace to find out about the next Pope. There were many Americans hoping Cardinal O’Malley would become Pope, but instead, a Pope was chosen from outside Europe—Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Buenos Aires, Argentina, who chose the name Francis. I didn’t know much about him, but I found him to be humble, and from what we were told, to be one who lives in the faith, not in the wealth. I wish him well and hope his legacy will be one of positive change.

God and Church,
Bea

10 comments:

  1. Here's hoping you find your way back home. I teach the faith to adults in my parish (RCIA). I love taking them on the journey towards full acceptance with the Church.

    I agree that a priest should not stand up there and condemn. That's not what the church is all about. Also, just as you believe, we teach much of the Bible is written with "truths" but not always in a literal way.

    Welcome home!

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    1. Thanks, Dennis. It's wonderful to hear that you are part of your church. Sometimes it's those within the church that make the journey worthwhile. I appreciate you stopping by and commenting.

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  2. I'm much like you, a non-practicing Catholic. My beliefs come from personal experiences and my own soul searching, not from regular church services. Regardless, I hope the new pope does well and can help bring the church new life, especially now that it has such a bad reputation in certain regards.

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    1. I agree, BFTS. I do hope the church gets new life by fixing its past.

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  3. The new pope seems like a gentle soul. The fact that he chose to honor St. Francis of Assissi as his name is hopeful.

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    1. I think it's wonderful that he picked that name, and it sounds like he lives life in the same manner.

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  4. Due to family issues we were unable to attend church for a number of years (probably the last 10). Granted we are not Catholic (my family is Methodist), the troubles the church faces right now are not only a Catholic issue. Personally, I don't find it a necessary thing to update the church per se. It is more of a need to come back to the teachings of Jesus. Too many have taken their personal issues and turned them as something said by Jesus. They forget that as it is said by him we should love our neighbor and what not. The greatest gift is love.

    At one point it was Jesus who said "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone..." This does make me wonder if maybe those who turn solely to condemnation, maybe they are trying to turn the blame for their own sins onto others.

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    1. I agree, Jon. It's not just the Catholic faith that faces the present issues. It's everywhere. I don't believe the church needs to change belief, I just think that maybe if they updated a bit to relate to younger generations, they'd start bringing in more parishioners.

      That is a great quote. I know too many people cast judgment with smeared pasts themselves. I don't care about those who judge me. The only one I need to care about is God's judgment.

      Thanks for stopping by.

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  5. Hi,

    You have written such deep thoughts here. I too like the new pope and am praying for healing for the Catholic Church. I am Protestant (Baptist), but I know that Jesus is calling all of us to Him. I was also impressed with how humility of the new Pope. He seems such a simple man who loves God.

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  6. The pope does indeed bring hope, and I'm glad that is the case for so many. Although it's not my personal forte, I find the subject fascinating.

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