I am going now to live in quiet retirement, away from all this. I learned a valuable truth when I deleted my Facebook account (which I would counsel you all to do): the Internet is a frightening place. In recent months I have let myself go, as it were; I have fallen far short of my own moral standards, and so I am going to try and pick up my life before I knew of the existence of blogs or a ''traditionalist'' movement, back to a time when I knew only about dragons. Who knows, when my passport is finally renewed I may even go far away and live somewhere else.
Is this the death knell of Liturgiae Causa? After three years and a long silence on matters liturgical, what do you think?
Patrick
ReplyDeleteI concur with your concerns about the nature of the internet. It is often what Catholics used to refer to as a "near occasion of sin." And I would council people to steer well clear of Facebook and other forms of so called social media.
That said the web has its uses. But for those who have succumbed to, or been severely tempted by its dark side, then taking a long break is a good idea. I will close by repeating my advice from a few of your earlier posts. Spend some time in a good conservative monastery. You will be glad you did.
Under the mercy,
John
DO NOT LEAVE US!
ReplyDeleteI am certainly happier for leaving Facebook. But I enjoy your posts and would miss this blog very much. Please don't abandon us.
ReplyDeleteMay I echo the above comments: Don't go! Of course the Internet, like anything else, can be bad for us but there are surely positive aspects too?
ReplyDeleteI have learned to use Facebook only for my family and close friends. Not for 'contacts!' and i have expunged 'linkedin' or whatever it is called.
ReplyDeletePatrick, I think you have some valuable things to say and i hope you find a place to say it to those who are willing to listen and learn.
although I have not responded often, I listen often, andI hope will not go unheard when you have something to say.
Please keep me informed of your internet whereabouts. God bless you in your journey.
Rdr. James Morgan
Olympia, WA USA
Thank you for your responses.
ReplyDeleteA note on the painting. It depicts Maglor, Son of Fëanor, last of the Seven Sons to have survived the Wars of Beleriand. Some 600 years ago he had sworn an oath with his father and brothers to reclaim the Silmarils from Morgoth. Well, after much treachery, strife and long-suffering he achieved his end but only through pain and grief and when he laid claim to that which he sought, on account of the many evil deeds he had committed the touch of the holy jewel burned him and the pain could not be healed, and so he took it to the shores of the Great Sea at a time of evening and cast it into the depths. No one among Elves or Men saw him again.
In a similar sort of way I have let go of a holy jewel on account of the pain it has caused, and therefore want nothing more to do with it.
I got to your blog through the site of my collegue Priest Fr Chadwick... pity now you are leaving.
ReplyDeleteYours in Christ,
Fr Ed Bakker
ACC/OP
Many Blessings. Many Years. Be at Peace!
ReplyDelete