What Some Braved

As I walk into church this Sunday, I'm going to think about how easy we have it.  I walk up the steps, grab a hold of the door handle and pull.  The huge door breaks inertia and moves toward me, and I enter into the church.

The smell of the church is distinctive -- a combination of old and incense and beeswax candles.  The Stations of the Cross are lit by low watt bulbs, giving them a beautiful glow.  The altar is adorned in autumn colors. 

There is no one standing outside telling me I can't go in.  There is no one with a gun threatening my life if I enter the church.  There are no bars on the door.

But these are things that faced the Mexican people in the 1920s.  Being Catholic was against the law.  Many, many people were killed for their faith and their refusal to deny it.  And there is a movie that chronicles this awful time in history.

It is called, "For the Glory."  It was recommended by a friend of mine from church.  She said she was glad she watched it, that she never thought so deeply about what some have had to experience to keep the faith, but she isn't sure she would ever watch it again.  "It's too rough." 

Last week, Fr. Kevin told us about the saint for that day -- a man who lived in those perilous times in Mexico and was martyred for the faith.  He would disguise himself so he could go out among the people and distribute Communion or say Confessions.  Mass would be moved around here and there and always held in secret.  He escaped with his life more than once from their clutches, sometimes with help from the people in that town.

He died with the name of God on his lips, by firing squad with no head covering.  He looked his assassins in the eye, but also forgave them.  Sound familiar?

At any rate, I am just echoing the message of Thanksgiving and taking it into another time/day.  This Sunday.  Like someone always says and it is so true -- we should be thankful every single day for all of our blessings.

The movie Pollyanna -- do you remember that one?  She was always looking for something to be grateful for rather than pouting about what she didn't have.  Her attitude changed a whole town!  It's corny, sure, but who says we can't become more happy, more positive, more grateful? 

A researcher person was on TV yesterday talking about how when we smile and look happy, we actually begin to change inside. 

Four weeks until Christmas.  The time for family gatherings and present giving, but also a time to remember to be thankful, grateful.  To share with others.  To pray for others.  To forgive others.

Take care, faithful readers.

Karen