Oi, what a gloomy, wet Sunday it was a couple of days ago. And, lo and behold, attendance was down. November really can be a miserable month in Canada, and the temptation is to just stay under the covers.
Earlier that day I saw photos of Filipino Catholics gathered for worship despite the devastation of their homes and communities. You may notice that the roof of the church has been torn away and the anguish of those gathered to sing and pray and listen to scripture. I pray that they found solace in coming together as the Christian community.
Sometimes it doesn't take much to convince us to ditch church, and we North Americans tend to have it good. I look at these folk in the midst of their misery and I admire them. I ponder Christians in countries where they are often persecuted for their faith and feel a little chastened about my level of commitment. I need their inspiration in a land where Christianity is fading due to indifference rather than challenge.
What are your thoughts about the people of the Philippines and their dedication? Would we turn to the church for strength if we suffered the way we are, or would we just be angry at God?
5 comments:
Those photos you've attached certainly define commitment to one's faith. It's also interesting to read a minister say that something can actually make HIM chastened in terms of his own commitment. Wild.
We do have it pretty easy compared to much of the rest of the world.
I'm glad St. Pauls has a roof this time of year.
I wonder if our western lack of commitment comes as a result of poor understanding of what the scriptures are supposed to be teaching us - and of what they are NOT supposed to be teaching us... context is everything! ...well, understanding of the culture and times in which the Scriptures were written is important to our understanding - and application to daily life - as well ... too bad most westerners just don't care to look deeply enough...
Thanks to all three of you. Is it poor understanding or willful ignorance of uncomfortable truths Judy.
I agree, Steve, on the roof thing. They are highly recommended in Canadian winters.
Ian, I often look at the courage and dedication of clergy in developing nations and am humbled.
Could be willful ignorance for a few - but I think many in our western world just can't buy some of the things that are taught in church...
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