Church part 2

Yesterday I really debated with myself. I wanted to go to church. I just didn't know if I wanted to go to my church. But I love the people in my church and my husband and my best friends were singing 3 times starting at 6:30AM. (crazy) The music director is a really good friend of mine--She's the Martha Sue to my Marthinda. Don't ask.

I had been invited to attend the local Catholic church services. Have you ever been to a Catholic Church High Mass? Quite a sight. It's so meditative--chanting, back and forth praying, every move loaded with ritual, some responses are sung, it is beautiful. Especially communion. The priest smudges the area with incense and they believe the wine and bread are actually transformed, it is a very hushed, respectful ceremony.

Yesterday I watched the Catholic mass on tv. Chanted the responses back. Then I watched a Baptist Born Again service. Arms in the air, AMEN!!! Hallelujah! He is Risen!. The preacher spoke of letting go of our mistakes and being the best we could be, knowing that we are children of God and it is never over until God says it is. Very inspiring.

Our church is much more sedate. They pride themselves on their control. Outward displays of emotion are frowned upon. Even clapping after the choir sings (or God forbid, during their singing) is met with raised eyebrows and glances to see if it's okay with the Elders of the church. Every now and then, new people come to our church and actually RAISE THEIR HANDS when they are moved by the spirit.....shudder the thought.

We are the educated Christians. We don't believe in public displays--we do our Ash Wednesday services at night (or not at all) so we aren't walking around all day advertising our faith. We believe in the bible passage:

Matthew 6: 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

So us "frozen Chosen" got that going for us.....

Course the danger is feeling superior to those other religions. Or the people who actually feel the spirit and allow themselves to be moved. Or worse yet, explore other religions and watch tv shows on other people's theories and then actually discuss them. Oh dear. We are above all that, aren't we?

Easter.....I just think one day a year it should be okay to let all that superiority go and really celebrate what we are all about. But that's me. I'm not as educated as most. I tend to be a bit simple. And free. And I get really moved and have a hard time pretending I'm not--I like to smile.

Especially on such a monumentous occasion.

The music was really good. The bell choir was a delight. I felt comforted and cared for by all the wonderful people over there--they are just beautiful, caring souls. So intensely nurturing. And the children were the cutest things I've ever seen! They got to sing a real song and they were fabulous. I'm glad I went. I even got a chance to meditate.....