Seems like Christmas just left us, and here it is, the start of Lent. This year, Lent has a bit of a different dynamic for me, as I know that on the other end, once we get to Easter and Eastertide, I’ll be just weeks away from being received into the Roman Catholic faith. That’s a pretty humbling, yet exciting thing to ponder.
This year, as I think I did last year, I plan on reading Robin Griffith-Jones’ wonderful The Four Witnesses. If you ever thought theology was boring, I’d highly recommend Griffith-Jones’ book – his is not only an accessible read, but his take on the four Gospels is historically genuine, thought-provoking, and, as someone who has read a lot of theology in my time, unique in its breadth and depth.
But that’s really the only thing this Lent and last year’s have in common. While my road to Rome has not been without its share of stumbles, I feel more in tune with my own spiritual self and state of mind. I’ve finally come to accept the fact that I’ll always be a drifter with a sense of displacement, and that goes for my spiritual being as well. I know no one church or faith is perfect and the answer to everything that ails one mentally and spiritually. Nevertheless, my commitment to Roman Catholicism feels right in my soul, and seems where I have been heading all along, even when I didn’t realize it.
My prayer is for a blessed and spiritually-enriching Lent to you all.
Just sayin’: Take a few moments, check out Bhuddism. Meditation can help you shine the flashlight on your ‘unconscious’. Results= less stress, less judgmental, less annoyed, greater understanding of self. It’s working for me….
Max
Comment by Max Hardwood — February 18, 2010 @ 12:27 pm
Thanks for the comment, Max, and welcome to the ‘Nation! Don’t be a stranger.
I know a few people here who have embraced Buddhism and swear by it as a means to get in touch with their inner selves and their surroundings. Our friend and regular commenter around these parts Jana, I always thought, was a closet Buddhist and reincarnated Native American combined; she has a greater ease with the universe around her than anyone I’ve known.
My philosophy has always been, whatever works best for you that brings you and your soul closer to God while not doing damage to others and their search for the same, by all means do it.
For me, Rome has been calling me for a number of years – I know that (or at least I think I know that) now; the Saints and the Doctors of the Church (most especially, St. John of the Cross) have played such a fundamental role in my spiritual formation that it should have been clear to me years ago. But better late than never, eh?
Thanks again for your comment, feel free to do so again anytime!
Comment by The Great White Shank — February 18, 2010 @ 10:17 pm