Ruth - Intro. and Chapter 1
Introduction - What an awesome parable to start this book off with. We are so familiar with the real “savior’s story that, at times, it looses its’ impact. Thinking of this parable called me to ponder the love the Lord has for us…the real salvation story. I had read this parable before. I hope it is new for some of you. ………….. Part 1: We Become What We Celebrate – “We seem unable to capture the attention and intrigue the imagination of people the way our spiritual ancestors did.” The church now, except for its scandals and occasional public stand on moral issues, seems to be an indistinguishable part of society. Are we different because we are Catholic? I have to ask myself, “Other than seeing me at daily mass can people tell I am a committed Catholic?” How do we get people to connect to the “story” in this day and age? Matthew answers, “There is something ultimately attractive about people striving to become the-best-version-of-themselves. This is what we need to rediscover as a church.” I think that we are now too much a part of our culture … not transformed by the gospel, not living differently. I don’t think that my values look any different than my neighbors other than the fact that I attend mass daily. I am not on a guilt trip but wonder what “should” be different? Chapter 1: Our Universal Hunger – (p.8)“A great poverty ....the shortage of men and woman willing to lead humanity along the right path.” I agree that many people today seem to have no depth to their lives but a great hunger, I just read a book called “Sacred Thirst” that grappled with this universal hunger/thirst. Searchers want or need to see Christianity lived. Gandi’s statement (p.12) that he has not met a real Christian or he would have become one is profound. Are we an untransformed people, unrecognizable “Christians”? If we are really so unrecognizable are we really authentically Christian? I have to change the question from the general to the specific…..How should I be different than I am and can I change?????? How do I need to change? Oh here is a line that describes me (p. 12): ‘We know the truth, but we lack the discipline and strength of character to align the action of our lives with that truth.” That is me….to a tee….. undisciplined but I do desire to live the real Christian life.
- posted by Ruth @ 6:14 PM