Monday, November 14

An antidote to the poison (belated)

This post should have gone up about two weeks ago, but I only got the text below today.  Given the poisonous rhetoric which I read coming from the RC church (among others), I figure that I really should post this, as it captures the essence of my Catholic (but not Roman) church and what we're about. 

The following are selections from readings which were interspersed throughout the All Saints Day mass.

Before processional
"Who are you? Are you married with kids, worrying for them and committed to their welfare?  Are you divorced?  Are you married for the second, or even the third time?  Are you a single parent struggling to make ends meet, but also hoping to have love in your life again?  Are you gay or lesbian?   Well if you are, then you belong to us because you belong to Christ.  The Good News is that Christ is the host here today and he welcomes you as part of his body.  The words from the Gospel are addressed to you: Peace be with you."

During Eucharist, after the Words of Institution
"Are you new here? An immigrant maybe?  Are you from another Christan tradition? Are you full of doubt today, like Thomas?  Are you fearful like the disciples were?  Has it been a while since you darkened the doorway of a church?  None of that matters.  You belong to us because you belong to Christ. The Good News is that Christ is the host here today and he welcomes you as part of his body.  The words from the Gospel are addressed to you: Peace be with you."

During Eucharist, after Agnes Dei is sung
"All people of good will are welcome here: That is the Good News!  If you've been away, you can come back; if you've been living in darkness, you can come to the light; if you haven't been able to believe without seeing God, look around you, the Body of Christ has come to Mass today.  Sinners are welcome, saints too.  Everyone is welcome to come to Christ, our God indeed!"

(what is said at the end of the prayers of every Eucharist)
"The meal of God has been prepared for the people of God, which is each and every one of us, so all are welcome to receive."

Thanks be to God for these people.

2 comments:

  1. OK, which Catholic Church is saying this? I'm sure B16 does not approve.

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  2. The Ecumenical Catholic Communion, an independent catholic communion of churches with apostolic succession that focuses upon the distinctive elements of Primacy of Conscience, an open Eucharistic table, co-equal ministry and a belief in marriage as intimate commitment between two adults, not as a heterosexual once-only procreative function.

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