I have thought long and hard about the issue of ordination, especially after and encounter with an Old Catholic archbishop in a little chapel on Meads Mountain in Woodstock NY and how he ordained people who either could not or would not serve, and how much I would like to be able to perform a solo communion service as a means of intercessory prayer.
Later is became important to solve this conundrum when confronted with the madness in the Catholic church which emerged to challenge my faith in its fidelity to the Vatican II renewal, and the emerging discovery that things are not what they seem, or I am expected to believe they are. I have come to a certain conviction that ANY person of faith and good will is a member of the priesthood by baptism and the presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit. That any such person may make an act of faith in memory of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and have a licit, valid eucharistic celebration.
The exclusivity of the Roman church is a deliberate fraud that many of good faith and clear conscience believe in without incurring guilt for their participation. Nonetheless, there is a conspiracy against truth that would keep us all ignorant of the arbitrary exercise of power which claims falsely to have divine sanction.
None of the churches have a monopoly on truth. Much of what passes for religion is an escape from freedom and responsibility. My having introduced a series on the Existentialists at a local library with the suggestion that if this country goes down it will be because of bad religion was prophetic during the first Trump presidency. All that has followed confirmed this to be true. I could never have imagined such a breakdown of the norms of civility.
Having practiced the Catholic faith for decades with waning consistency I think the Vatican II renewal opened a door that the church today would lock shut and throw away the key. Faith will open the door. The truth will set you free.
Madison, this resonates with me so deeply. I haven’t been able to pinpoint the words that you were able to so thoughtfully articulate here, so thank you for this.
This resonates so deeply. I also didn't go to mass after the election. I could not authentically worship surrounded by people who have such a different vision of the Kingdom and Justice. The only part that pains me is that, given where I live, there are no Catholic Churches that are a haven. They ride for the orange man. Our pastor preaches his support of the orange man. If only 60 percent of my parish voted for the orange man I'd be SHOCKED. We have no where to go, but I'm at least at peace that I don't owe anyone in the hierarchical church or my parish a thing.
Oh Madison, this is both a balm to my soul and a rallying cry for justic. You and your words are such a gift. Thank you for thoughtfully bringing a perspective I haven't been able to articulate, one that resonates deeply.
I have thought long and hard about the issue of ordination, especially after and encounter with an Old Catholic archbishop in a little chapel on Meads Mountain in Woodstock NY and how he ordained people who either could not or would not serve, and how much I would like to be able to perform a solo communion service as a means of intercessory prayer.
Later is became important to solve this conundrum when confronted with the madness in the Catholic church which emerged to challenge my faith in its fidelity to the Vatican II renewal, and the emerging discovery that things are not what they seem, or I am expected to believe they are. I have come to a certain conviction that ANY person of faith and good will is a member of the priesthood by baptism and the presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit. That any such person may make an act of faith in memory of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and have a licit, valid eucharistic celebration.
The exclusivity of the Roman church is a deliberate fraud that many of good faith and clear conscience believe in without incurring guilt for their participation. Nonetheless, there is a conspiracy against truth that would keep us all ignorant of the arbitrary exercise of power which claims falsely to have divine sanction.
None of the churches have a monopoly on truth. Much of what passes for religion is an escape from freedom and responsibility. My having introduced a series on the Existentialists at a local library with the suggestion that if this country goes down it will be because of bad religion was prophetic during the first Trump presidency. All that has followed confirmed this to be true. I could never have imagined such a breakdown of the norms of civility.
Having practiced the Catholic faith for decades with waning consistency I think the Vatican II renewal opened a door that the church today would lock shut and throw away the key. Faith will open the door. The truth will set you free.
This is amazing friend, your words are making me tear up.
“Oh, I don’t let her preach,” is the self-same ideology that rejected Kamala Harris. This line - wow!
I appreciate your truth-telling and thoughtful perspective - your voice is that of a prophet!
When I attended Catholics On Call at CTU, I felt the most at home in Catholicism. I miss it. I wish we could have a virtual meet up to feel closer.
Madison, this resonates with me so deeply. I haven’t been able to pinpoint the words that you were able to so thoughtfully articulate here, so thank you for this.
This resonates so deeply. I also didn't go to mass after the election. I could not authentically worship surrounded by people who have such a different vision of the Kingdom and Justice. The only part that pains me is that, given where I live, there are no Catholic Churches that are a haven. They ride for the orange man. Our pastor preaches his support of the orange man. If only 60 percent of my parish voted for the orange man I'd be SHOCKED. We have no where to go, but I'm at least at peace that I don't owe anyone in the hierarchical church or my parish a thing.
Oh Madison, this is both a balm to my soul and a rallying cry for justic. You and your words are such a gift. Thank you for thoughtfully bringing a perspective I haven't been able to articulate, one that resonates deeply.
An amazing article. I can't wait to see what you do next. Maybe some preaching in the future....