I am sitting alone here in Pietrelcina as Ursula is coming next Wednesday. We had an argument, and it seems we both got deeply hurt. As usual, it was to do with one of our sons who refuses to be told to do what is right like observing traffic laws.
Recently my mind has been preoccupied with certain basic tenets of our faith. I am always intrigued by how other denominations focus their teachings entirely on Scripture and what Jesus had to say about matters relevant to our life. Jesus is always the central focal point. I have a deep devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes who has made herself very helpful to me and shown me a way of praying and what I should be doing and how I should be acting. Yet I have this niggling worry that too much of the devotional aspect in certain Mediterranean countries is emotional and not focused on the teachings of Christ and the Catholic Church.
I often get the feeling that it is a worldly approach and not an informed approach as to what Jesus had to say and what he expects of us. Very little is talked about familiarizing oneself with scripture and often the preaching and readings at mass are the only times one is made familiar with scripture. Very different to Evangelical groups and other denominations. We are all the time surrounded by miracles and the grace of God, yet it is noticeable how many believe they do not exist or they only happen for saints. Jesus seems to suggest otherwise since all.