Posted by Diana on July 03, 19101 at 10:36:13:
In Reply to: Hi Nick. Can we stop now? posted by Phil on July 03, 19101 at 06:25:52:
I was asked two questions so I'll briefly answer Anne's first and, then, it's off to Independence Day preparations!
Anne wrote:
:but Diana, What is it YOU want from the Church?
I can't think of anything that I want from the Church. It's given me much and I appreciate it.
A:
Throw the doors open and invite everyone in to participate in the Eucharist, receive our Lord --not knowing that they are truly eating the Body and Blood of our Lord, making sure no one is responsible for their own behavior....and throwing certain portions of scripture and most all of Tradition out the door?
Of course not, you know that.
I know you don't mean all that....but I ask you about what kind of church you would have if you could..and you said it would consist of the 'people of God'. Now define that please...:)
It would be a Church where gentleness, love,
non-violence, and understanding would prevail.
There would be no threats or fear. Perfect love casts aside fear. The emphasis would be on the
kindness, mercy, love, and forgiveness of God
When one person fell, the others would run to help him/her get up. We would be in it all together. It would be a Church based on heart.
TAlso, the heart of the Church would be the mystics, not the Magisterium. The emphasis would be on teaching people forms of prayer like Centering Prayer where people may learn to listen and be
acutely aware of the presence of God.
Collegiality would abound! People would be happy and sing and dance together. A love and respect for diversity would prevail.
As for defining "People of God" or Church, it's a process and God is shaping it so how do I know where He's going to stop or if he is ever going to stop? He knows our hearts. He knows who is really part of his Church. He doesn't depend on outward signs.
I'm all for emphasizing the ways we are the SAME, not the ways we are different. That's how you get ethnic cleansing, 'church' cleansing, and the Crusades.
Also, I love the Protestants!
Hooray for the Love and Mercy of our God!
Diana