Easter thoughts

I've been thinking this afternoon about Easter, resurrection, and complacency. The modern Catholic church - Christianity in general, I think - has become too complacent. The original outlandish and crazy beginnings have fallen pretty flat and lifeless. We've gone from the in-your-face miracle of the resurrection to employing thousands who labor over the details of administering property and investments, or determining that slight changes in liturgy are more proper than what we currently have.

I think a lot of churches have lost track of the crazy miracle of God becoming human, living with us, working miracles, and then being killed as a criminal. We have politicized and commercialized religion - the revolution has gone corporate. When you look at the message of the church and of Jesus, it has something to offend everyone - Republican, Tea Partier, Socialist, Democrat and all the rest. We all tend to pick and choose among the messages, lest the whole thing really take hold and cause too much discomfort.

When you look at your fellow human being and can see Christ in them (and you can, if you are really looking), the craziness of the world becomes all the more apparent. And the message of the Gospel becomes more consistent and clear... and maybe a bit uncomfortable. It goes against society and our self-centered nature. It's crazy, revolutionary, outlandish, and uncomfortable - until, perhaps, we have the courage to see it with new eyes.

Comments

[Steve]

Steve, thanks for this post. (It's great to read you again!) Couldn't agree more with what you've stated here. Christianity (including the RCC) has indeed gone corporate: well-organized, efficient (sort of...), top heavy in a self-important way, and with a killer legal department on speed-dial, alas.

I'm trying to bring up my son Catholic while teaching him that people matter more than things, compassion matters more than rules, and Jesus came to earth to bring all of us into closer contact with God's love, not so anyone could win an argument on "Catholic Answers Live." It's a struggle to keep things focused on what is essential, rather than that which is the added-on element that Jesus likely would not recognize as having anything to do with the good news he proclaimed and lived.

Hope things are good with you and that you will post again when you have time. This blog has long been one of my favorite Catholic sites! --Steve M.

[Steve Bogner]

Thanks for the comment Steve M - I'm facing some of the same challenges with my boys. Yes, it's a struggle. And yes - I hope to post more, regularly here.

[+ Alan]

Hey Steve - absolutely, the whole politicized, corporate thing makes me very sad, and angry at times. For me, having moved back into the Catholic (big "C") arena a few years ago, with my family, has often turned into many "what the hell have I done to myself and my children" moments. Not always, but it happens often enough. I try to stay attached to the ancient good and steer as clear of all the mess that has built up in the corners as I can. But you know well, it's a hard job. Peace to you and Happy Easter.