I come from a family that went to Mass every Sunday. No questions. And it wasn’t like school where you could complain of a stomach flu and maybe get to stay home. To get out of going to Mass, you had to vomit up a spleen at least. We were hardcore Mass goers every Sunday. My Mom even shockingly went on other days (gasp!) when it wasn’t even a law that you had to go.
When I did something wrong, my mother dragged me to Confession. I was dragged there a lot- so often that I think some of the priests started scheduling it into their day.
As unlikely as it seems in such a family, I had my very first crisis of faith when I was only eight years old while training to be an altar boy. A little young, you might think, but I was always advanced when it came to tearing things apart. It occurred mainly because I was the dumbest kid to ever become an altar boy.
May 23, 2011 at 1:30 pm
Thanks, I love it! Now, this is a real question. Since you know at least 2 other real life altar boys, did you ever see anybody catch anything on fire with the sensor? Thanks
May 24, 2011 at 12:53 am
Great story, Matthew. It brought to mind something a friend shared with me several years ago; I don't know who wrote it:
In 1799, when the armies of Napoleon were sweeping over Europe,Massena's army of 18,000 suddenly appeared on the heights above the town of Feldkirch. It was Easter Sunday and the rising sun glittered on the weapons of the French army as they overlooked the village below.
A hasty town council meeting was called to decide what could be done. Resisting such an army was out of the question. Finally,the dean of the church arose and said, "It is Easter Day. Ring the bells and have services as usual, and leave the matter in God's hands." They agreed to do as he suggested and, from the towers of Feldkirch there rang out loud and joyous peals calling worshippers to gather.
The French heard the sudden clanging of the bells with surprise and alarm. They concluded that the Austrian army had arrived to defend the town. Massena broke up his camp, gave the order to march and, before the bells had ceased tolling, not a soldier was to be seen.
In the midst of fear, when there is nothing more to be done, it may be time to ring the bells. For courage is not the absence of danger, but deciding to go ahead anyway. So ring the bells! Let everyone know that you have chosen to LIVE. Let them know that your true security will NOT be shaken by fear.
Ring the bells! In America and around the world. Ring the bells and live boldly. You were not given the spirit of fear, as the Bible teaches, but the spirit of power and love and a sound mind.
Ring the bells! Ring them loudly. Let the mountainsides resound with their joyous pealing. And after the chimes have died away, your fear, too, will have disappeared.
Ring the bells!