Monday, June 13, 2011

TRYING TO FIGURE IT OUT

For some time now, like other Americans, I've been following the reporting of civilian deaths in the oil barrel that is the Middle East. Specifically, the reporting of government forces there killing civilians who are rioting. Our newspapers here in the U.S. have universally taken the attitude,"Bad government, good civilians."

Think about America. Now what are we to do if gangs of people attempt to burn down the White House; or burn down a city; or blow up a neighborhood; or kill Christians? If our security forces responded with force, wouldn't they be "killing civilians"?

I've been reading about gangs of youth around the nation swarming into shopping districts and stores and grabbing and running. Aren't the owners of these businesses, and our own security forces, authorized to protect their property? Well, we can't "kill civilians" now,can we? The funny thing about all that is going on in the cities is IT'S NOT BEING REPORTED! I must ask myself, why?

In Illinois, for example, there was a call to activate the National Guard in Chicago to stop this type of violence. I'm wondering if the Illinois NG. was even in-country.

I guess the question is who's gonna talk about all this and what should be the proper response before it gets out of control?

Sunday, June 12, 2011

I'm showing my age!

I went to a noon Mass today with two of our granddaughters. I'm thinking of not going again.

In the "old days" it would be inconceivable for a man or woman to show up in church wearing shorts and sandals. Even the lector, who did the first and second readings, was wearing shorts. To top it off, he walked on and off the altar as if he was going to the store. No sign of respect to the tabernacle and being in the house of God; not even a bow of his head. What's next, a priest in shorts and tank top?

Across the aisle was another adult in shorts. He wasn't the only one in church wearing what must be called a "summer 'uniform". Now I accept youngsters in shorts or jeans but adults?

Afterwards I communicated my displeasure to a family member. She said those were the reasons she doesn't go to that church anymore.

Wouldn't you think the parish bulletin would outline a dress code? It should go without saying but when nobody says anything....well, guess what you get.

I'm showing my age!

I went to a noon Mass today with two of our granddaughters. I'm thinking of not going again.

In the "old days" it would be inconceivable for a man or woman to show up in church wearing shorts and sandals. Even today's lector, who did the first and second readings, was wearing shorts. To top it off, he walked on and off the altar as if he was going to the store. No sign of respect to the tabernacle and being in the house of God; not even a bow of his head.

Across the aisle was another grown man in shorts. He wasn't the only one in church wearing what must be called a "summer 'uniform". Now I accept youngsters in shorts or jeans but adults?

Afterwards I communicated my displeasure to a family member. She said those were the reasons she doesn't go to that church anymore.