I was in a beautiful Catholic Church today. I have mentioned before, that I am Baptist, but I have a little bit of Catholic in me.
I attended a private, Catholic school when I was in the fourth grade. It seems I needed "special attention"...mmm.. ( see Taming Elizabeth) All I remember about that year is the sweet nun that was my teacher, the crisp white shirt that I wore with my pleated, navy blue skirt...(every day) , and my brother having to attend as well, even though he wasn't as special as I was.
I also remember sitting in the hall, after getting into trouble in class one day.. The priest walked by and said, "Why are you out here?" I shyly and shamefully answered, "I was bad; I was talking." "Humph. You should think about that next time, young lady." Then he walked away. I remember my friends didn't believe I spoke to the priest. "He doesn't talk to people in the halls, because they are bad.", they protested.
I have better thoughts when I think about my little sister joining the Catholic church, 10 years after marrying a wonderful man of that faith. She studied and studied, and decided that is what she needed to do for her family. Her big, loving, baptist family joined her at Easter Mass, and supported her decision. She became ALL THE WAY CATHOLIC, and flew to Rome, to the Vatican, for her first communion.. Awesome.
As I was looking at the statues, and ornate religious symbols all over the church today, I felt reverent, humbled and quite frankly, a whole lot more spiritual than I had in a while. Looking at the symbols of Christ on the cross, the day before Ash Wednesday, brought more seriousness to the event than normal. I was glad to be there. As I walked around the beautiful courtyard, I began to wonder where some of our reverence has gone.
We want to welcome people into our churches, invite them to "come as you are". "Jesus accepts you, just as you are!"; which is true, but have we given up reverence for God, with our acceptance of people?
It was quiet in the church. I could think about what I was was seeing, and the significance of each event. I think, many times, in our churches, we are busy visiting and welcoming each other, we forget to visit with and welcome God. Are we to allow clothing to be too reveling in church, because it is in fashion? or are we to come to worship our God, the Almighty, with reverence and modesty?
One thing I am very glad about; God is not too big to talk to me when I'm bad. For that, I'm very thankful.
