Kelly, we don't see that sort of thing around here, this being the heart of Baptist and CoC country (although occasionally you'll see those personal notices in the newspaper that come across the same way as you described).
However, I do think this is an excellent post that will dovetail nicely with our RCIA class next Sunday, as the discussion is to center on the saints. If you don't mind, I'd like to forward this on to Sister Maria, our RCIA director. The points you raise are exactly the sorts of things we usually discuss.
LOL.
Somebody sent me a bulletin from one of the parishes around here that has a special program for youth ministry: "Jesus brings the magic into my life"
promoted as the magician performing amazing illusions and comedy to bring an inspiring message of faith.
There's something paradoxical there that I just can't wrap my head around.
http://www.ourladyofthelakehalif...in/
bulletin.pdf
Thank you for this.
I have several Catholic friends who will send me copies of that email thing about St. Therese. It's full of "quotes" by her that sound nothing like her (she has such a distinctive voice) and ends with both the "you will have your wish granted" and the admonition a la chain letter to pass it on. I don't think this one threatens you with tragedy if you don't, but there's a little implication that a good Christian would want her friends to all get their wishes granted.
It drives me bats. I don't think most of the folks that pass it on even buy it themselves, they just think since I'm one of those Catholics that does saints and all I'll like it. Sure gives my Baptist and Bible church friends ammo, this sort of stuff. I'm personally convinced someone with a bone to pick with the Church composes them and starts them on their way, trying to see how many Catholics he can trick into passing it on.
Sure, Tim, go right ahead. You don't have to ask my permission.
Carol...yikes!
Marie, yes, I'm familiar with the Saint Therese email...it was first sent to me by a Protestant friend. Blessedly, she didn't send it to a blind list, so I was able to "reply to all" and explain that this sort o' thing was not just against Catholic teaching, but against all Judeo-Christian teaching.
You might be right in your theory about who initially composes these things...but you know? I was thinking about this post today and realized that I didn't show much compassion to those who do follow the Saint Jude "instructions" so incorrectly. They must indeed be very desperate and deserve my prayers rather than my condemnation, and my post seems to reflect the latter rather than the former. Abba, in Jesus' name, forgive me, and help me to emulate your compassion. Amen.
Dear Kelly,
St Jude has no wand, but he has a big club!
Indeed he has, Brother!
How many times I have explained to people who send such things--about superstition, etc. But what seems to make the most impression is my explanation that one never knows the mental, spiritual, emotional state of anyone who receives such a missive. If they obey and their wish comes true by pure happenstance, will they thank God or think that their obedience to the message was the reason for their "good luck"? If their wish doesn't come true, who or what gets the blame?
We just have no control of where these things are sent or to whom, and we might just be the cause of a loss of faith and/or an occasion of sin--or worse, if the recipient is mentally or emotionally unstable.
I have thrown out sheets like that too but I think in the future, I may just black out the superstitious part. If I were *really* organized, I'd print little labels on my computer about why the superstitious stuff is wrong...
You know, I think there is a lot of need and hurt and longing out there, and I do think these things reflect that. I think much of what you see on TV shows and popular books is about people reaching out for a God they don't even know is there -- I have friends who have gone in for all sorts of spirituality mumbo jumbo and etc. because they were never ever ever taken to or talked to about any kind of church as kids, and they don't know where to start. I think there's a cradle Catholic version of this, and I have been there, and I feel for the folks who are there now.
But, of course, not the same as being o.k. with helping them stay stuck there. The idea of magic and wishes, the whole pagan or fairytale thing, those are great when they point people down the road. Not good when they become the end of the journey. I like the idea of little printouts. . . .
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