So I recently photographed an abandoned home with a dear friend and fellow photographer. It was haunting. Not haunted---but haunting. I was fascinated by the worn shoes throughout the old home, and I wondered who had worn them. Perhaps I'll find out another day, as I'm sure there is a life filled story to know.
The people in the scene were dead, but alive. I could hear them. I heard their smiles and their cries. I saw their laughter and their anger. I felt their exhaustion and their vulnerability.
I heard complaints of sore feet, sore backs and sore hands. I heard cooking and the clanging of pots and pans. I heard mothers screaming at children. I heard fathers sighing and I heard the ruffling of the pages of his escape in a newspaper. I saw ladies fidgeting with their corsets. And I even heard church bells,
Speaking of church bells. Of course I thought about these 40 days of lent, and how difficult it has been to practice the virtues we are called to practice. You know, Lent is commonly called The Penitent Season. That is very fitting for me--- because as I have expressed in a previous blog---I'm having trouble. My cry is "Father forgive me; Father, help me to do that which I am called.
In the Catholic tradition, we begin Lent with Ash Wednesday. We go to church, are reminded by our Pastor why we are at church, and and then the penitents or parishioners gather in lines to receive something. This something is a symbol. This symbol, however denotes a profound meaning for us church folks. This symbol is a reminder of our death, our end...our own apocalypse.
It may seem morbid for some, but receiving the markings of ashes on our foreheads, one by one as the the words "remember...you are dust" were repeated, was a sacred experience for me. It reminded me of my utter dependence on God. My Photographic opportunity, this haunting home, full of life once lived, just drove the point home. With each photograph I deeply pondered how short life is.
Continuing on the subject of Lent.... In my last blog, I talked about what a miserable lent participant I was. And I closed with the idea that perhaps by day 40, I would have created a habit. With that in mind, I'd like to focus on that aspect of Lent and tie it into the notion of why it's so important to go to church. Let's face it. Lent is a religious practice that we learn at church.
Even if you don't believe in God, you should still go to church---regularly, like at least once a week. That is why I love being Catholic. I can go every day, if I choose. What? I can see you now, big eyed, teeth grinding...puffs of smoke. Well how's this for a reason. You need to avoid the fires of Hell! You need to get right with God. Humans ain't animals; humans understand the concept of justice---to make things right. God is Holy. We are called to be Holy. And that doesn't happen in a vacuum. Get to church! How's that for reasons? Wow, the smoke is getting thick. I hear ya, "this talk of a Holy God sounds like something out of one of those 1950's epic films like The Ten Commandments, with Charlton Heston.
But let's look at church from a sociological or anthropological perspective. Maybe, just maybe...God is more in tune with our line of thinking than we give him credit. Maybe he want's what is best for us as a species. And church is where we learn about this God who is madly in love with all creation and yes madly in love with us! The love God has for us is so deep, that he commands us to go to church! I'm going to list seven good reasons for going to Church. Besides, seven is a Biblical number. Google it. Hang with me though, I think you'll appreciate these.
Success. Success in other areas of life. And not necessarily because God is rewarding you, although he might be, but because church is where you fellowship with others outside of the confines of work or school. Humans have always gathered in tribes or in groups. In groups, humans bring the knowledge of resources. I've never been successful on my own. "Man is not an island unto himself."
Self-esteem. God values us individually, and we should too. This isn't an arrogant, narcissistic and conceited self esteem, but rather a nurturing of our intrinsic worth. In the Christian tradition, we are taught to build each other up, encourage one another, love one another, value life and the talents we bring to each other. It's been my experience that church is a safe place to exploit our God given talents. Church gives us a sense of belonging, otherwise we flounder.
Protection. From what you ask? The elements. Tornados, ice storms and famines are still a part of our modern world. And church folks are compelled to readily assist. Jesus commands us to love our neighbor. For followers of Christ, it's not a option. The Bible says it like this in 1 John 3:17. " But if a person has material possessions and sees a brother in need and that person doesn't care---how can the love of God remain in him?" It is interesting to me that the great physicist, Stephen Hawking, and now an atheist---- was cared for by a practicing Christian. Would he even be as successful today without her help?
Health. Did you know that studies have shown that going to church regularly can increase health. I know, exercise, proper eating and meditation can too, but Google it. Google this: "Studies have shown that people of faith live longer." Scientists have known for a long time that folks who are regular church attenders are healthier. Look at all those old folks you see in church.
Intellectual stimulation. The Church has a rich, intellectual tradition. I'll let one of the greatest modern day theologians convince you of this. Here's an excellent video on this topic. No one, not even an atheist can watch Fr. Barron and not be changed, even if it's "gnashing of teeth" anger.
Moving right along to number six. 6. Faith. Church helps to increase our faith in something outside of ourselves. Corrie Ten Boom, the Tramp for the Lord and holocaust survivor said this. "Look within and be depressed, look around and be distressed, look to Christ and be at rest." Google Corrie Ten Boom. Her story is magnificent! It's even a movie. Without faith, our anxiety increases. We begin to realize our own limitations, and suddenly we are seeking something beyond ourselves to "fix" things. Even if it's done subconsciously, humans are wired to pray. Secularist scientists have acknowledged that humans have a faith instinct. 7. Virtues. Who in their right mind doesn't appreciate a person of virtue? Church is where we learn to be good. The Christian faith teaches the highest moral standard on the face of the planet! I didn't say Christians practice the highest moral standard. I said, The Christian faith, and especially the Catholic Faith always teaches the highest moral standard! Read any Papal encyclical, I dare ya. In fact, start with Pope Paul VI's on Humanae Vitae at Papal Encyclicals. The Church takes the high road. Why? Jesus does? That little ole nazarene troublemaker tells us that if we are merely angry at our neighbor, we are in hot water. Why? Anger leads to violence, and violence leads to murder, and life is precious. Church gives us a moral standard...a law if you wil. And practicing that law saves us the heartache of what vices can bring. Alcoholism, drug abuse, human exploitation and ultimately suicide are possible results. Is this what we want for our offspring. No! Secularists fight for these virtues, and where can we best learn these virtues? Not in the world. It's at church that I learned them.
