Listening: "Parasol," Tori Amos

With all the papal goings-on currently I'm really talking up my Catholicism lately. It's taken a long time but I'm not really embarassed by it. If people foolishly believe I'm something I'm not because of it that's their problem.

I will happily explain anything people don't understand but I'm not going to waste any more time on people who just want to bait me because obviously if I'm religious I've gotta be stupid.

Today a new pope was elected. I'm sad at the choice. They went for the absolute last guy I was hoping to see on the throne of Peter. but this is how it goes.

There is no Canada to run to, unless you mean the Anglican Church and I really am not going to be that easy to chase off.

But it's easier for me to be apolitical than apathetic to the Church, at least right now. I can toss off dismissive remarks about the Bush administration and count the days until the end of his term. Not nearly so easy with the Church. I love it like I love my family and it drives me every bit as crazy. If the only thing I can wait for is someone's death then that's not much of a good thing to count on.

JPII oversaw something of a coming together between the many faiths. I really worry that Pope Benedict XVI won't push this communion but try to return to view that the Church knows best and people should shut up, join, or get out of the way.

It's a fundamental difference in theology, I guess. "Follow me and don't question me and I'll take you to God." a kind of bulling, father-knows-best version of pastorship; and: "Let's get together in prayer and we will find Him where we've always been." found in the spirit of Matthew 18:20 - For where two or more are gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst.

*sigh* i'm tired.