Abbey-Roads2

“This is the one I approve, the lowly and afflicted man who trembles at my word.” - Isaiah 66: 2

Yet there is something nice about the quiet man across the alley who sits outside every morning on his porch and smokes his cigarette while he enjoys a cup of coffee.  (Maybe because after 10 months of not smoking I still crave that cigarette.)  Anyway, I’ve talked to him before - he is very content - has no time for religion - “I never hurt anybody” he says.  I never brought religion up with him, but he did; he knows I go to church and I think he wanted to let me know he was a good guy with out it.  I could tell that already though.  Many people who never go to church are much better people than I’ll ever be.

Last week at adoration I noticed an old lady sitting ahead of me reading her prayers.  I was impressed by her devotion and simple dress - such a contrast with the creek people - the affluent neighbors in the parish who live along the creek.  Nothing wrong with affluence, fashion and sophistication, or theology degrees - but this lady reminded me of bygone days.  A sort of 1950’s piety when women stayed at home and dressed 10 years older than they were.  Everyone looked old in the ’50’s - even kids.

Anyway - I thought of that verse from scripture:  “This is the one whom I approve, the lowly and afflicted man…”  Women in the ’50’s knew God called all mankind ”man” - they didn’t need to hear gender specific terms.  And yet few of the ordinary women went to college.  So how could they be so wise?

Being a religious.

Our grandmothers and great grandmothers were often content being what they were - and many of them were very devout and it seems almost all of them were virtuous yet modest.  They prayed without realizing that in many ways they were “common mystics”.  They went to confession and communion, prayed their rosary, read their prayers - without delving into the “science of prayer” or theological questions.  They admired - indeed, esteemed religious and priests, without desiring to be one.  Instead, they faithfully fulfilled the duties peculiar to their state in life.

Sometimes it causes me to tremble…

Anyone can still do that and become a saint.

Anyone who wants to be a hermit can be as well.

If you want to dress up like a nun or a monk at home, you can do that too.

If you want to begin a religious order you can write a rule and live it.

No one is stopping anyone.

Just like my friend across the alley, you don’t have to go to church either, you can sit at home and smoke, and contemplate nature.

However, I must say, I’m more attracted to that old lady’s spirituality than I am to any other.  I think - for me at least - it is better to tremble at God’s word than to try and define it.  Which brings up another point… lovers often tremble when they touch - that is the coolest.

Have a nice Sunday.