Frankly, I'm less inclined to discuss the particulars of the abuse crisis, as I am to decry the lack of spiritual discipline--the lack of true Catholic spirituality--in the Church today. We have watered down and protestantized so much of our everyday Catholicism that it is barely recognizable. It is common, among many in the Church today to deny the existence of sin, the uniqueness of the Church and even the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
Driving the development of the ascetical tradition was a religious culture of hope and love-- hope that one can genuinely train his or her spiritually destructive passions, and the expectation that the meek and merciful would achieve a love of Jesus Christ. It was the ascetical discipline that in no small measure protected the early Church from the onslaughts of pagan sexuality, and indeed, contributed mightily to the development of Christian culture.Because the purpose of religion has changed, this ancient understanding of the ascetical tradition has faded in the Catholic Church.
We have "sold out" to postmodern culture. The Church is no longer influencing the culture. The culture is influencing the Church.
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.
~ Matthew 7:13
A delightful co-incidence. I saw this post on your blog just after seeing the same book discussed at a Catholic forum.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, HERE is a small compilation of writings on Asceticism by Fr. Most.
Yours in Christ,
Innocent
Sorry, that was me!
ReplyDeleteGreat link, Innocent! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on this one! I see it every week at my parish, a quite liberal Canadian suburban one. For the last 20 years, I've been parish organist , and have played at weddings and funerals -- I could write a book! Anyway, at the close of this current season in June I'm retiring, mostly because the lack of reverence/respect and the crummy music our choir does (we have 2 directors) is getting to me. Easter sunday Mass was pure bedlam -- people were talking constantly before, during and after Mass -- and that was just the choir! any time I've commented on this, people look at me as if I've suddenly grown another head. I'll still attend the Parish, but if I hear of another one within driving distance where Catholicism is taken seriously, I'll be off like a shot. It's rather telling that in the 100+ years of existence, NO ONE in our parish has been ordained as a priest. Says a lot, eh?
ReplyDeleteWow, Anon! I sympathize with you!
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