Question 9

What's a belief that you believe that many people disagree with?


As previously mentioned, I was raised a Catholic. This resonates with me, it always has. From a very young age, mum would say prayers with us; we'd appeal to 'Mr. God' to help whatever pickle we were in or to thank Him for our day, our loved ones, or our good graces.

Interestingly we were C&E Catholics (Christmas and Easter) most of the time, though I was always spiritual. I loved the history of the Church, the mysteries it presented, the Gothic columns, the carved sculptures of Mary looking solemn, the traditions, the hymns, the ritual of the mass. I resented my Grandmother pushing the church on me, religion had to be on my terms, as my interpretation was private and rarely discussed.

Over the past five years or so, I began to attend mass more frequently, certainly not every Sunday, though maybe once a month. Over the past five months however, I have been attending every Sunday. I can't tell you my reasons, though I never want to lose that feeling that I have someone looking after me. God provides that comfort for me, the church gives me solace from any outside troubles I face. An hour a week, I escape whatever issue i have or am experiencing, and I become part of a community to share a common love.

I have developed a religious belief that I know a lot of people do not believe in, and outright criticise. I often think it's interesting how discriminatory they are by doing so, and if the roles were reversed, how incredibly bigoted it would seem. It does sadden me that I cannot be completely open about my beliefs, though I'm not a preacher, and never will be. My religion is my own and I keep it close to my chest. I draw happiness from the scriptures and lessons and beliefs; this of course is not to say I respond to every teaching, made up by nomadic desert people 2000 years ago to suit their needs. I respond to the good of the church; I choose messages that provide growth and inner peace, and some people may say that's accepting a percentage of Catholicism, that's their prerogative. My faith is my own, and none else's.

Giving up...what?

My earliest recollection of Ash Wednesday was as a child, I believe it was 1987 and I was 5. I remember it, because it was my birthday and I felt so smug having a special day at the same time as my first 'school' Ash Wednesday. We attended Church, rather than class. There was a lot of chatter and rumours of cake, probably started by myself. We were told we had to give something up for Lent. What did one give up at age 5? It was my birthday, was I exempt because it was my day?

Many more Ash Wednesday have been had since then, and I have given up over the years, biscuits (a hard 40 days, that one), swearing and I think judging people (what was I thinking?). You can also take something up and to me, this is much more production and positive.

In my adult years, one of the key things I have tried to maintain, is the practice of no meat on Friday's. I haven't always succeeded (tucking into Pizza Hut buffet on Good Friday on my way to a music festival in Victoria, the shame), though the intention is there and it's the least I can do.

So Lent goes until early April this year. What shall I give/take up? The mind boggles.