Deus Vult–I’ve been thinking over what you’ve said, and looking at the pictures, and maybe this will kind of help put it in perspective, based on my experience. I’ve been Catholic almost 2 years, and in the initial, heady days of my first conversion, my family took a cruise. I’d only been Catholic a few weeks, and was riding a wave of passionate love for Christ and held up by graces of the Holy Spirit. I knew very little about the Church and about factions within the Church–was just open to everyone and everything. Definitely orthodox and wanting to be loyal to Rome, but personally have always been sort of a “flower child” in behavior and very open-minded, so I was perfectly happy in my home parish. And actually, for a good while, we had a nice spirit going there between progressive and more orthodox Catholics. Sadly, things have broken down in the past year or so–I’ve tried to stay out of the fray, but it’s sad to see. The election, Terry Shiavo, all that takes its toll. Anyway–I digress.
What I wanted to say–I’m a Texan, too–and I know what you mean about hugging and all–but I suspect you are in a parish where you sort of know the people–my parents live in a community like that too.
Anyway–this ship had a priest–looking back–I hope he was a real priest! We were so fortunate,anyway, to have daily mass–it was cool–not knowing Catholic culture–looking back–I’d go to bingo, and then go upstairs to the lounge for mass–lol! So…he’d invite us to gather round the altar for the consecration. I didn’t know any better. I argued online strongly for this for the longest time. To this day, it was a very moving experience to be that close to our Lord. But I’ve come to see the wisdom of Holy Mother Church in making the rules she does. I don’t like the rules, but I learned the hard way. In examining myself–I very definitely felt that I, up there, was morally superior to all the folks who remained seated. I wondered, sort of on a subliminal (or is that subliminable
) level, what was wrong with them. I assumed they were lukewarm believers. I have no idea whether they might have had a leg injury, been very devout, been
knowledgeable about the GIRM*, unlike me, been very judgmental about
me and therefore unworthy themselves; also, whether the people around the altar were smug like me, totally holy saints, or indeed, what anyone’s state of soul was. It’s so true we are
all unworthy to receive.
So…even though it was moving and profound…and the Lord was merciful to me, a sinner, to allow me to be so close to Him at such an intimate moment, in my ignorance–perhaps for catechetical purposes, to teach me humility, and perhaps for this moment, who knows?–what I did, even though I didn’t know any better–was
wrong, because it was not in accordance with the Magisterium.
Therefore–even though I felt strongly something was holy–if the Church says don’t do it, that means Christ says don’t do it.
Hope this helps.
Love,
Donna
I might have to hold somebodys hand…I’ll get cooties…kind of reminds me of kindergarten…hmmmm.
