It filled me lifted me as it always does - the song Kyrie Eleison Forgive me I feel humbled soothed comforted and peace be with you a smile a touch - Rooted in tradition ritual and rhythm. I no longer expect my church to go along with me - I live with the sins I can and beg pardon for the ones I cannot - divorced displaced I no longer feel disgraced I am Catholic in my bones.
I am not interested in a debate about the merits of the Catholic Church's views. This is about my own personal journey reconciling my own actions and being content with my religion.
My Review
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I was Catholic once and, while the stories have lost all meaningfulness for me, existing only in the negative with all other religions, I do remember that song. I remember singing it in mass on Sunday. I remember loving the way it sounded.
So while their teachings are nothing more than lies to me, I can still enjoy the music.
"I live with the sins I can..."
Don't we all?
Well written, Kitty.
-Cara
Posted 8 Years Ago
8 Years Ago
I have come to terms with my upbringing and my religion. I was gone for nearly half my adult life an.. read moreI have come to terms with my upbringing and my religion. I was gone for nearly half my adult life and returned, at peace, warts on me, warts on them. I have reached that spot where I truly do "take what I like, and leave the rest" Thank you for the review. Going back through my old poems has been a journey in and of itself.
8 Years Ago
Indeed. More than anything else, I can look back on my old poems, old stories, and see the steps I'v.. read moreIndeed. More than anything else, I can look back on my old poems, old stories, and see the steps I've taken. It's an enlightening journey. And you are most welcome for the review. :)
I think it's amazing what a song can do.
Heal, encourage, forgive, accept, bring clarity.
Everyone has their own journey and finds themselves along the way.
Posted 8 Years Ago
8 Years Ago
This is the truth. It really isn't about religion. It's about the path to self. Thank you for unders.. read moreThis is the truth. It really isn't about religion. It's about the path to self. Thank you for understanding that.
8 Years Ago
Thanks, it's been fun going through your collections!
This one choked me up a bit... Raised Catholic, parochial school through high school, then Catholic college; I now teach theology and am the Religion coordinator in a Catholic school - and yet, I too struggle with the "then and now" versions of the faith... with my own transgressions, and questions. I have jokingly said that I am more "culturally Catholic and spiritually Buddhist", but the reality is - it's in my bones too. A great and thoughtful write...
Well it is like most things, we are reared on the church, wholesome spirits, and ethical substance, we all stray from occasion and not all of us are as lucky, but I do not deny those that cling to that hope. A good read.
The phrase, "I no longer expect my church to go along with me", tells me more about your state of mind than almost anything else in this poem.
I don't think we beg forgiveness or pardons as much as we learn to accept it and offer it to others...
Forgiveness is something free to any who will receive it. I think you actually are at this point as well because you say, "I no longer feel disgraced".
Anyone who has "grown up in the church" will understand this poetry well I think.
One thing I will add to this thought would be, "I no longer expect myself to go along with my church to be a part of its body". The left arm can pick its nose for all I care and I will be content to be the right hand penning poetry... they are both connected to the same Heart.
I write under a pseudonym.
I don't do Read Requests, but you can PM me if you want me to read something specific. I make friends with people who I read and interact with. I won't accept random reque.. more..