Ciao!

Ash Wednesday

I went to Ash Wednesday mass this afternoon w/ a bit of trepidation, since I've not been to church in some time. My nervousness increased when Marian asked me to help distribute the ashes. I flipped through The Little Black Book in my seat, thinking.

Religion, for me, is more an intellectual exercise, rather than a spiritual one. I was attracted to Catholicism (I converted from Protestantism) more by its rationally consistent theology and its political philosophy. But Protestant individualism is still strongly ingrained in me. Everyone's religious experience and relation to the universe (or "the divine") is unique. Which is why there are so many religions. I'm not arrogant enough to believe I have religion - let alone my religion figured out. And perhaps that's all I can offer in defense of my faith - a desire to be honest and true to my own conscience. I hope that's enough.

In the final analysis, I go to mass because I like the people. They're some of the most loving and honest people I've ever met. They do good things for the community - both locally and worldwide. And it's good to be reminded about these things.

Posted by Miguel at 10:34 PM

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