with symbols of theologies of faith, expecting understanding
After meeting our London family in Las Vegas we visited Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was an exciting trip.
Our grandchildren learn about the beauty of nature by cuddling a large snake.
We
learned more about the Native Americans of the Southwest and the Spanish
culture that violently dominated them.
Our visit to the Cathedral for Mass was
enlightening for us. Archbishop Wester
presided. His homily was excellent. In my opinion, it seemed it was based on the Creation
Theology of M. D. Chenu, O.P. He opened
with a quote from Elizabeth Barrett Browning:
Earth's crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God,
But only he who sees takes off his shoes;
The rest sit round and pluck blackberries.
From Aurora Leigh, by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
His words were meant to spark
meditation for Lent. The question is,
did this indicate a ‘me and God Theology?’
Moses was given the duty to liberate
the Jews from slavery. In Exodus, God
speaks to Moses: “I have heard their
outcry against their slave-masters…you shall bring my people Israel out of
Egypt.” (Ex 4:7-10)
Could there have been more said by
the Archbishop considering the crises we now face? It was the week of the Novalny murder.
The Cathedral as it is now is reminiscent
of an older adobe church, La Parroquia, (built in 1714-1717). A side chapel
contains a statue of Our Lady of the Conquista. The current building was
constructed in 1859-1886. The structure
of the building and its accoutrements present an eclectic series of theologies
including Vatican II.
A statue of Kateri Tekawitha, Native American Saint, is in front of the Saint Francis Cathedral Basilica in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The people of the congregation were
very kind to us. Because of my
handicapped situation, Communion was brought to us. Some talked to us and asked where we were from.
It was indeed a Post-Vatican community.
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