The Rites of our Spiritual Lives

A Mind bubble on rituals small an large

A student of the intimate said to the master Yunmen, “The radiance serenely illumines the whole universe...” Before he finished Yunmen asked, “Aren’t those Zhangzhuo’s words?” The student replied, “Yes.” Yunmen said, “You have misspoken.”

(Gateless Gate)

Not long ago there was a petition sent to the pope. It was a plea to preserve the Latin Mass. A long time venture. But in this case it included some interesting signatories including such cultural notables as opera star Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and the composer Andrew Lloyd-Webber, the creator of Downtown Abbey, Julian Fellowes, fashion historian, Paul Smith, and a host of others.

It immediately made me think of the majesty of a high Anglican mass, as well.

And immediately following those thoughts, visions of the spiritual vacuity one witnesses at a typical Protestant religious service today. Where it usually features a more or less competent Christian rock band, turgid anthems and embarrassing lyrics in the ragged end of what used to be called a sermon sandwich.

Of course, bad or beautiful, it’s something we do.