Keeping All Parts OF Catholicism In Balance

Catholicism often does a good job of avoiding the " either/or" We often try to see the full picture and not put things in conflict with each other. Such as matter versus spirit ,or it lets say it is either Jeuss or Mary and the Saints. Catholicism fights such false conflicts.

However we are human and part of us so wishes to do that.

I noted with interest a post on this Seminarian's blog Ascent to Mount Carmel. I enjoy his blog a lot and it appears he is back to his schedule of blogging. He attended some of the Stebuenville Youth retreats/rallies this summer and might gives us some more thoughts onthose. However as to the topic of the "eithee/or" His post Running away from Retreat shows some of that frustration.

I gave a quick hurrid comment last night. I think his post and his repsonce should be considered. While the liturgy isimportant we should not forget our obligations to the poor and others. Often when I hear the Bible talking about visiting prisioners , I start thinking about where I fall short for instance.

I do find it fascinating that he is encounting the problem with too many people being overly "conservative" and thinking to much about Liturgy in exception to everything else. I wish we had that problem in a way. However as I noted this is a reaction I think to what we have had to deal with in the last 30 years. I do think this will balance out. Also this is an exciting time for Liturgy and returning to our Catholic patrimony.

I thought his words on "Social Justice" were important. As I noted I think "Social Justice" got a bad rap because of those people who were advocating it. US Catholic magazine promotes "Social Justice" but their articles on other aspects of the faith are a scandal. Also there is some resistance to that term by some US Catholics because that seems code for Liberal failed policies and conservatives and Republicans need not apply. Of course this is changing. SOcial Justice has to mingle with political issues. No doubt. However I do think they also need to talk about non Government/political things too. Such as supporting the Knights of Columbus so it can help the Catholic immigrant. Such as supporting the local St Vincent De Paul group and various other areas Catholic lay people are involved in. That is a part of it too.

Getting back to his post, I do think he makes some important comments in his follow up comment to mine.

Again there is a need for both. I think what we are seeing for the most part is that people know they must move fast to take advantage of what Pope Benedict is doing as to the liturgy and other matters. I also think there is a attitude because so much damage was done in some places we must move at 110 mph and quick. I think that is understandable. But it must be balanced. I think he gives us a good warning(not just to future priest in training) to avoid the either/or. We have already seen what a disaster that was on the other extreme. Also it is pretty much what Pope Benedict said so wonderfully in his book Jesus of Nazareth.