Friday, April 6, 2012

Church

We're on Church Street, and it's Good Friday. In my book, most Fridays are pretty darn good. As a matter of fact, I'm hard pressed to recall any Friday as a bad day. Growing up in the Catholic Church, I was always intrigued by the sacred events of this weekend. The re-creating of the mystical events surrounding Easter was something that always got my attention. I knelt in awe at the decorated altar and was enraptured by the pomp and circumstances of the moment. Today, I'm many miles away, and there are those days where I sit and ponder how I got so lost.

14 comments:

  1. Shalom dear Birdman. If you still speak the words "intrigued, sacred, mystical, and enraptured" then I think you are not "so lost" at all.
    You are luckier than the many who have never experienced the "smells and bells" and the drama of The Church, who have never entered into the mystery.
    Maybe you just need a trip to Jerusalem to get your attention again? Meanwhile I wish you blessed and moving holy days in Maine.

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  2. Dina speaks wise words. Jerusalem would be a trip that would stir both your imagination and faith. Many of us are "lost" but I often think it is merely a quest.

    On a road trip and finally am in a place with wifi, so I am temporarily back to enjoy your blog!!

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  3. are you really lost, birdman? you still regard creation with awe and wonder, it seems to me.

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  4. I don't think you're lost at all. You have a map don't you?

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  5. 'smells and bells' - what a great way to say that in the comment above. i, too, was raised in the catholic church, but after divorcing, felt unwanted without a place there. i miss the rituals but do not miss the rest...

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  6. I would say you're not lost. You were lost. But not anymore.

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  7. Funny how the smell of incense & the sound of bells stay with you. I am not even sure if they still do that anymore. And the stations of the cross. So many rituals!

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  8. Never to late to find your way again, Birdman.

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  9. i accidentally wished someone happy Hanukkah yesterday. some of us are even more lost.

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  10. I wouldn't say that you are lost at all.

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  11. "Off the derech" is how orthodox Jews describe someone who was orthodox and is no longer orthodox. It means "off the path" but means more like he left the path or lost his way.

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  12. I went to the same services in a different venue. I liked the colors of the vestments and implements, the smell of the incense, the theater of the ceremonies. I guess the art meant more to me than the theology. Still does.

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  13. I think you're fine how you are Birdman!

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