|
From the Pastor... Fr. Bill Murtaugh
* "God is a party giver." - J. Ellsworth Kalas
What role has organized religion, i.e. The Catholic Church, played in your life? I love the Catholic Church and I believe it has enriched my life. It's sad when people look on religion as a constraint in their lives, as something that holds them back from really being alive. True religion is the way to a freer and more peaceful life.
First and foremost, each one of us is a human person, created in God's image. We are called to find our true fulfillment by knowing this God. And God is LOVE, TRUTH and BEAUTY. The most alive people in the world are those who are living lives of love, truth and beauty.
It is important how we think about our religious and spiritual lives. If we look upon religion as nothing but constraints, then we'll have very little motivation to deepen our spirituality. The idea that religion is nothing more than a bundle of rules and regulations, trying to tie us down, has done more harm to true religion than almost anything else. It has taken the joy and beauty out of it. It has replaced the real thing with a poor imitation. Jesus didn't lead by rules, regulations and fear. But he did tell his followers that following him can mean, at times, hardship and great discipline.
The Church is still very important, and will always be needed... because it is the Body of Christ. Hopefully, all of us can find TRUTH, BEAUTY and JOY as members of the church. We are disciples of the Risen Christ who conquered death by His resurrection... He was able to rejoice after the crucifixion.
The greatest miracle of the gospel is not the rising of Lazarus or the multiplication of the loaves and fishes or all the great healing stories taken together. The miracle of the gospel is Christ, risen and glorified, who this very moment teaches us, pursues us, abides in us, and offers Himself to us as companion for the journey. Catherine of Siena wrote "God is crazed with love" and "drunk with love" and is embodied in Jesus dwelling within us.
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life... of the Party. I read that there will be only one question when we stand before St. Peter, but it has two parts. First: Did you have a good time? Second: Did you help others to have a good time?
As Church, we are meant to help each other to enjoy this life that God gave us. It's more than rules and regulations. It's about joy. Joy is deeper than happiness or hilarity. Joy drives away despair but not all depression. Faith helps the dreary soul to dream again through the power of four words: it came to pass. It took three days for the resurrection. Give God time to work miracles for you. There will be joy and peace. I know from personal experience.
Fr. Bill
|
|
