Spiritual Evictions

Funny. I don't remember any of this taught in the Beatitudes or the Catechism.

A recent Associated Press article revealed that the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is evicting nuns from its convent. Despite many of the nuns having lived there for forty years, the Archdiocese plans to sell their home regardless what they think about the Archdiocese's decision to sell. The reason for this? The monies will be put toward its recent settlement for sexual abuse. The vicar general even wrote a letter to the nuns saying that if they left before their December 31 deadline, it "would be acceptable as well."

But I guess we can't be too hard on the L.A. Archdiocese. After all, there were no pay raises for their employees this year. Who, as far as I know, still have a home.

I have a huge suspicion that Jesus and His Father wouldn't look favorably on an action such as this.

And it's our, the lay people's, misdirected morals that have driven most of us away from the Catholic Church?

Kabbalah and Attaining God

Full disclosure: I am a Roman Catholic - my confirmation name is Teresa, after Teresa of Avila - and among my favorite Catholics are Gary Wills, Thomas Aldworth, Erasmus, Father Thomas P. Doyle, Francis of Assisi and Madonna. I love my faith. However, I especially love those who aren't afraid to question the faith and try to elevate spirituality - independent thinkers who some Catholics and those of other denominations don't believe are true Christians. If you know these amazing people, you know that's not true.

Through my Jewish friends I have learned more about Kabbalah. Two weeks ago I began a Kabbalah class through Bnei Baruch. Kabbalah is not religion; instead, it teaches those who seek it how to attain God. I am enjoying my lessons and learning more about myself and the world I currently reside in. We can change the world by loving our neighbors as ourselves and becoming more tolerant.

How do you view spirituality?