I went to Christmas Vigil Mass with my family this evening.
My relationship with Catholicism is best described as “estranged” at this point. That said, not going to Mass isn’t an option in this case - not if any sort of peace is expected among family for the holiday - so I went. I offered my silent protests in attending, though - my skirt was a kilt with a pattern designed to memorialize witches that had been prosecuted and burned in Scotland, and I wore a hairpin designed by a friend - one with meanings the Church would not approve of.
Whenever I go to Church, I notice something that confirms that leaving the church was a good idea. In this case, it was in the prayers offered. So… while the prayers are being offered, the following is said:
“For the oppressed.”
I was mildly surprised …
I went to Christmas Vigil Mass with my family this evening.
My relationship with Catholicism is best described as “estranged” at this point. That said, not going to Mass isn’t an option in this case - not if any sort of peace is expected among family for the holiday - so I went. I offered my silent protests in attending, though - my skirt was a kilt with a pattern designed to memorialize witches that had been prosecuted and burned in Scotland, and I wore a hairpin designed by a friend - one with meanings the Church would not approve of.
Whenever I go to Church, I notice something that confirms that leaving the church was a good idea. In this case, it was in the prayers offered. So… while the prayers are being offered, the following is said:
“For the oppressed.”
I was mildly surprised and intrigued at this point. What would the Catholic Church have to give for the oppressed? Allyship and advocacy to their cause? Aid? Liberation? Mercy?
“That they may be given the strength to endure.”
🤦♀️
What?
Just… what?!?
In that moment, I realized I had chosen my wardrobe well. Praying that oppressed people be given the strength to endure is like praying that those persecuted as witches had the strength to endure the flames.
Oppressed people don’t need your prayers. Oppressed people need action; oppressed people need your help.
As a friend of mine put it, Love is a verb.
And that “prayer” was as far from love as a church could get - literal performative prayer to justify their own indifference.
