Holy Thursday & the Sacrament of Christian Authority.: humble service

Holy Thursday and the forgotten Sacrament of Christian Authority.

Problem 1

“I like your term "arrogant theology." –discussion with a friend.

Or, another's term:

"Strong theology" = characterized by:

Power over, control, guilt, creed,

De-emphasizing the personal search,

(finding and going to one’s own well of inspiration,)

Readiness to judge and exclude,

Not allow questioning

The sacred text is holy and tru, not to be challenged.,

"Right Teaching" (defined by us) is the ultimate criterion;

Circle the wagons in threat or conflict.

Refusal to listen (= not necessary) WE have the last say, the whole truth.

etc.

Problem 2

The last 3, maybe 4 generations of Catholics are so abused,

numbed out, exiled, and fed up or despairing, unaware

of the magnificent personal challenge of finding and embracing

the grace filled adventure of their own spiritual journey.

Remedy

“I will show you how the ‘master,’ ‘the teacher” as you call me,” he said,

"should act."

“Take off your shoes, I will wash your feet.”

This is the forgotten sacrament of Christian authority.

It has all required elements needed to be declared a sacrament.

1.     Jesus did it,

2.     He ordered us to repeat it.

3.     It is an efficacious sign of Grace.

4.     Furthermore, Jesus illustrates what he means by this example of humble service

In the admonitions of Matthew 25. "Whatsoever you do to theses (hungry, thirsty, sick, in jail broken), you do to me.

These element are far more clear for establishing a Sacrament than those found for the "sacrament" of marriage." (Note: Marriage was not declared a sacrament until Albert and Aquinas

in the 12^th century

Celtic Spirituality, Celtic Grace is mystical, found everywhere in "thin places."

-even endorsed by the Celtic Christian Church, with whom (full disclosure) I am affiliated.

Anam Cara, Soul Friend, by John O'Donohue, expresses well this view.

I plan, "God willing & the crick don't rise," a new extension of ministry of

Celtic Spirituality in Lexington, Ky, -Blog Celtic Spirituality. Invitation.

-Beginning in May with sponsoring and leading a new creative writer's group, meeting monthly.

Paschal Baute, April 2, 2015

References

Celtic Grace: Thin Places, Paschal Baute, (2014)

Where Do I Find "God" Stories, Paschal Batgue (2015)