State of the Catholic Church

Oh hey there blog, been a while huh?

I'm writing tonight because I'm slightly riled up at the end of my conversation with my mother, in which we discussed some of the things happening at my home parish and what we hear is happening nationally. 

I'm so frustrated with the church hierarchy.  They are called to be shepherds to their flock and yet increasingly, it feels like want to create a pen and not worry about any one of the flock leaving.  Still, this analogy is imperfect as its not a simple pen, but a maze, so that the flock wanders and is too confused to realize that there isn't an exit.  And the shepherds then get control their flock rather than guide them.  The powers that be have created such strict guidelines (and I'm not talking sacraments) for participation in the church that spiritual growth and exploration are stunted if there is indeed any place for further growth.  The message is that they are the all knowing and the great wise ones who will give us little people the plans on how to get into heaven...even if it has nothing to do with creating a personal relationship with God.  It's collecting all the right pie pieces while on the path, like trivial pursuit.  To the hierarchy, the people, the mass, the church, the body is not important.  The rules are.  Its so irritatingly irresponsible and un-Christ-like.

And then I am also so frustrated by the people.  How have we (as a whole) let ourselves get shepherded into this pen?  How did we not see this coming?  How have we not risen up and demanded change?  Why are we so complacent and obedient to self-appointed gate keepers to our generous God? We could demand the kind of church that we deserve, but we are more comfortable going through the motions that we are told to go through.  Why question? Why grow when it is being handed to you?

Yet another example of those in power taking the power while the people hand it over to them.  Be the faith.  Be the church. Demand your say.