J
JReducation
Guest
This is why I always say that while religious [should] live in the transcendent reality, the laity lives in the temporal reality. If each of us is true to his her vocation, our realities will overlap like Venn diagrams, but they will also have differences.I understand and I will try to keep this in mind. Although I can see sharing concerns upsetting inner silence and tranquility of others, I also know that for some it does just the opposite. It helps those that are concerned realize they are not alone in their concerns. I know it helps me to hear from others.
I also think that if it isn’t a real or valid concern then those that don’t share that concern would just ignore it, provide some help, or pray for those concerned, etc (and I know you do and I thank you for that). When I have been on the other side of concerns that I disagreed with (say issues with Church teachings) it doesn’t upset my inner silence or tranquility because I am on solid footing with that. I would argue that if anyone’s inner silence is upset by any concerns shared on here it might be because some of what is being shared actually concerns them too down deep inside.
I also don’t think that getting one’s inner silence/tranquility upset is always a bad thing. Sometimes it is, but sometimes when that happens for me it can mean I need to attend to something. If a number of folks have similar concerns maybe by voicing them to one another we can then do something about them (and yes, this is where we have to do something, not just say something). Then again, there are some things we can never change.
I think that you have made a very good case for this great truth that most Catholics want to reject or ignore. You’ve given a great example. For you and others in your situation, hearing concerns and grievances may be very soothing. If nothing else, it tells you that you’re not imagining things or going nuts. Right?
For us, there is nothing soothing about it at all. On the contrary. It takes away from our silence. Our lives are lived in silence, within our minds and souls and in our environment. If you were to live in the typical religious house, there is very little speaking during the day. We speak at meals, during colloquy and when necessary for work. Otherwise, we say very little to each other so as not to distract from contemplation. Expressing such concerns only serves to distract from that which is more important.
In addition, if you were formed in one of the orders where you were punished for “sharing concerns” when it is unnecessary or with those who cannot do anything to change a situation, you always live with the fear that you will be punished by God, man or both if you speak at the wrong time, to the wrong person. You bow your head in obedience and you take your concerns to those who can do something. It’s called constructive reporting. This allows you to live a very tranquil life.
He’s saying what I said yesterday. If you just complain, but do nothing different, you’re whining. There is nothing joyful in whining.Here’s a link to Pope Francis’ Homily for today:
en.radiovaticana.va/news/2013/05/10/pope_at_mass:christian_joy_far_from_simple_fun/en1-690760
It’s a good one, deals with Christian Joy, and is somewhat related to the idea of having concerns and tranquility.
On the other hand, the man who keeps his eyes on the Lord, experiences a special joy that the world cannot give. When he speaks about those things that he calls concerns, he’s not complaining. He’s doing as the Latin word says. He’s presenting a genuine grievance and he’s doing it for the good of the Church, not for his benefit. There is nothing holy about seeking our benefit without the neighbor. We must make sure that our expressions of concern and gratitude include the neighbor.