Speaking of his Popeness and his recent American tour–

Last Friday, I did indeed find one of three Catholic Churches in the vicinity and I attended mass.

And it was just as dull and uninspiring as any other Catholic Church. Only this one was crowded! Packed to the walls. There were speakers outside so the overflow could follow along. There was even a nice little souvenir table in the courtyard – selling light-up crystal crosses, little statuettes and I think I could have even picked up a black velvet Jesus.

The only church I’ve been to in years where I could sense God in the rafters was Notre Dame. There – I could feel the weight of faith and a belief in something larger and greater than yourself. I used to know more churches like that (Catholic and others) – where just walking in could be uplifting. Maybe it was the history involved – like Notre Dame or the church in the center of Boston. Or maybe – by being in these places – you knew you had to step up. You had to listen a bit harder. You had to meet the message – rather than the message being pre-chewed and re-packaged for you in the most simplistic language the church can create without losing the story altogether.

I know a number of people who get a great deal by going to church. More power to them. But I think a larger portion go out of a sense of obligation. I think I saw a lot of that Friday, though of course I can’t be certain. But – to me – the church seems far more interested in illuminating a follower’s obligations rather than illuminating their faith. If I lived near Notre Dame, I’d probably be there every weekend. For now – and as always – God and I get along fine… and I have my King James with me.

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