I had a dream the other night I wore a Hellfire Club t-shirt from Stranger Things to church. Church talks about hell from time to time, and I don’t think it would totally be inappropriate. Stranger things have happened.
In the Gospel of Luke, it says all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted. That is a lesson for everyone, whether they are a believer or not. I think it’s better to be humble and allow your heart and soul to speak for itself, rather than having a fall from grace because you think you are better than anyone else.
We need to see more acts of humility, kindness, service, and love. The culture is feeding on people who brag and think they are better because of wealth, social status, and power. Humility is power if you think about it. Every Easter in many churches, the act of foot washing is an example of what it means to do something good for others.
The Pope is saying there needs to be more acts of service to others. I can dig that. I do my best to be of service. We need more servants because too many people are trying to be in charge. Everyone talks about leadership when we need servanthood. My goal is to be a servant who doesn’t always get it right on the first try. I hope you will adopt that way of living too.
Be humble, it’s a better look for everyone involved.
I am a churchgoer. I have been a Baptist, Methodist and now Episcopalian. Church has been an important part of my life. So that makes me a parishioner. That word to me is about community, responsibility, and discipleship. This word I think is about inclusion, or it should be. Parishioners are about worship to a higher power or God if you will. They are also about service to one another. Being a parishioner is also a calling. It is about abiding in God’s love and the call to the people who gather in divine presence.
The College of Cardinals is sequestered and are beginning their work of choosing the 267th Pope who will lead the Catholic Church. Now the faithful and the curious are looking at a chimney that is coming out of the Sistine Chapel. They have had one vote and that chimney was blowing black smoke, meaning they have more votes to come. It will be interesting to see who they select. Right now, God only knows.
This angel statue is on display at church and I found it to be inspirational. Angels are always around us. Some we see and others we don’t.
Today is the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City. He will be very much missed by Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
I am not Catholic, but I am a fan of The Pope and the Catholic Church. Pope Francis was priest of the people. He focused his ministry on taking care of people on the margins, the migrants, the LGBTQ person and importantly the poor. The church universal should use Francis’ example of being on the streets, ministering to the hearts and souls of people who need it most. The Catholic Church needs to continue on the track of what Francis did during his papacy. Rest in power, Pope Francis.
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