In the reflection on today’s Mass readings, I decided to focus on the first reading: Gn 2:18-25 The LORD God said: "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable partner for him." So the LORD God formed out of the ground various wild animals and various birds of the air,
Great article Judson, and so many things to address. You know I was at a Jewish Temple not too long ago, and i was pulled aside for having my cell phone on and in hand. I was texting in the entry of the church or what some may call the narthax. The person said to me this is a holy place, and we do not allow cell phones on. Well on this point I had to agree, and ever since that day I usually just leave my phone in the car at Mass. This is one thing I think the Catholic church should be better at, and yes it is a Holy place but you know it seems the church is all too concerned with not "offending" anyone.
I love this article, and I agree with 99.9% of this reflection. However, I would like to add that the Church does not serve the elderly well at least my parish could do better. Most activities are in the evening. The elderly who still drive cannot drive at night or evening early evening, as the elderly cannot drive when dark or semi dark. Even day time programs are can be too early. It takes us awhile to get ready for the day. We have to take our meds on schedule not whenever. But the biggest problem is transportation. Many no longer drive, so just cannot get there. I live in senior housing next door to a Baptist Church. I see younger drivers get out of cars with several senior or disabled folks in them. The disabled have very similar needs as the elderly.
I think the problem is partly due to the fact that Catholics use to large families who largely stayed put and took care of family needs.Now families are small, scattered to the four winds and those still nearby often do not attend Church anymore. We Catholics are so used to families taking care of each other, we don't notice this is not so anymore. We don't notice the needy.
The answer is two pronged. First as this reflection suggest we all need to open our eyes and heart and 'see' how we can help. I mean really help, and not just smile and say have a nice day! Second there needs to be in each parish a dedicated commitee or better ministry whose sole purpose is to find and help the needy. My parish is great at helping those finacially needy. I applaud my parish! But there are just as many who need other kinds of help!
My license plate reads POTLUX for a reason. :D There was talk of having one after church one of these days…:
Great article Judson, and so many things to address. You know I was at a Jewish Temple not too long ago, and i was pulled aside for having my cell phone on and in hand. I was texting in the entry of the church or what some may call the narthax. The person said to me this is a holy place, and we do not allow cell phones on. Well on this point I had to agree, and ever since that day I usually just leave my phone in the car at Mass. This is one thing I think the Catholic church should be better at, and yes it is a Holy place but you know it seems the church is all too concerned with not "offending" anyone.
“But, wherever you are, keep an eye out for opportunities to speak to strangers.” Excellent reminder. Thank you!
I love this article, and I agree with 99.9% of this reflection. However, I would like to add that the Church does not serve the elderly well at least my parish could do better. Most activities are in the evening. The elderly who still drive cannot drive at night or evening early evening, as the elderly cannot drive when dark or semi dark. Even day time programs are can be too early. It takes us awhile to get ready for the day. We have to take our meds on schedule not whenever. But the biggest problem is transportation. Many no longer drive, so just cannot get there. I live in senior housing next door to a Baptist Church. I see younger drivers get out of cars with several senior or disabled folks in them. The disabled have very similar needs as the elderly.
I think the problem is partly due to the fact that Catholics use to large families who largely stayed put and took care of family needs.Now families are small, scattered to the four winds and those still nearby often do not attend Church anymore. We Catholics are so used to families taking care of each other, we don't notice this is not so anymore. We don't notice the needy.
The answer is two pronged. First as this reflection suggest we all need to open our eyes and heart and 'see' how we can help. I mean really help, and not just smile and say have a nice day! Second there needs to be in each parish a dedicated commitee or better ministry whose sole purpose is to find and help the needy. My parish is great at helping those finacially needy. I applaud my parish! But there are just as many who need other kinds of help!
Very well said. Thank you.