What Value is Religion?

In the days of the 1950's and before, practicing your religion was extremely easy because nearly everyone did - at work, in the neighborhood, everywhere.  Stores were closed on Sundays.  Families had dinner together each and every evening.  The 'culture' of the United States was predominantly Christian.  All TV shows and movies were wholesome in content.  Billboards were respectful of families.

 Now in 2014 our culture has morphed into something almost unrecognizable from that of the past.  Judging from most of the media, we are a atheistic, hedonistic, humanistic society.  The religion of Christianity has been largely replaced by the religion of Humanism.  So now, instead of worshiping God, our creator, many worship themselves.

Yet there is a smaller, more intent Christian presence in America.  We won't give up!  There is much hope here and I think it's due to more of the young people - teens and young adults - gathering responsibility to themselves and saying, "Enough!"  Many are remaining virgins until marriage. Many are working in the pro-life movement.

Religion is what civilizes humanity.  We need to focus on the Ultimate Supreme Being, God, worthy of our adoration.  We have to go, in person, to our church, for formal worship.  We need to witness to others.  We need to follow the church rules, or 'commandments.'  This is the only thing that will bring us PEACE, in ourselves, in our families, in our communities, and in our country.

In this 'me first' culture of ours, church participation is the hope for keeping a marriage and family together.  Without it, couples get overwhelmed, each trying to meet his or her own needs.  With it, we can put the other person first; both benefit.

Today, the 2nd Sunday of Lent, is celebrated the Transfiguration of Jesus, when he took Peter, James, and John up to Mount Tabor and was 'transfigured,' appearing as bright as the sun, as he will look in heaven.  This is one of my favorite feasts.  I want to find a print depicting this and put it on a wall in my home so I can think about it.  I look forward to what the priest will say in his homily at Mass today.

At 7:30 this morning, I did something I've been avoiding for years: watched and prayed the rosary on EWTN-TV.  The few minutes I had seen it before, it just seemed so slow.  I made myself 'settle down' and listen and pray.  It was wonderful!  I was able to follow it and totally, 100% enjoyed watching the scenes from different sites and churches in Jerusalem.  It was exciting to know that I had been to each and every one of those places last fall!  Oh, you must make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem some day!  Make it a priority!

Yes, it might be much easier to just sleep all morning and avoid church.  But what you get out of church attendance is a trillion times more valuable than the few minutes it takes to get up and get moving!  Part of the fruits of church is a relationship with God, the other part is community, meeting new people, maintaining old friendships, giving of yourself to help others.  Invaluable!  And the stuff of what holds families together!

Now in 2014, this requires conscious thought, a choice.  What will you choose?

Lord of us all, it is harder for many to accept you as their Savior.  Melt their hearts, Lord, melt our hearts, Lord.  Help us to begin to love you and each other as you love us!