This past spring, I took a class reflecting on the religious turn in contemporary continental philosophy. The class explored philosophers such as Jean-Luc Marion, John Caputo, and Richard Kearney and how their philosophical writings incorporate religious insights. In his book The God Who May Be, Kearney reflects upon the resurrection accounts of Jesus. He says that the resurrection accounts go something like this: “If you are hungry and need bread and fish, ask for it and you shall have your fill. If you see a lost loved one standing on the shore and are filled with joy, throw decorum to the wind, jump into the waves, and swim to them. If someone gives you food, do not ask for identity papers or credentials (“Who are you?”); just sit and receive. If you are wanting in body or mind –crippled, despised, rejected, downcast, disabled, despondent – and your nets are still empty after many tries, do not despair; someone will come and tell you where to cast your net so that you may have life and have it more abundantly. Indeed the most transfiguring thing about this God of little things is that he gives with a gratuity that defines the limits of space and time. Now he’s gone, now he’s here, now he’s gone again. Now he’s dead, now he’s alive. Now he’s buried, now risen. Now the net is empty, now it’s full. And more surprising still, the fish is cooked for us even before we get ashore and unload our nets. ‘Come have breakfast,’ Christ says as the boat touches land.” (Kearney, 50-51)
Journeying with Jesus
Have you wanted to explore the tradition of our Catholic faith? Do you want to build relationships in our parish? If so, consider coming to our new parish group. Beginning June 1, we will meet on Wednesday nights to share faith and fellowship with one another. Each week we will gather to discuss an excerpt from a religious book. These gatherings will be held at parishioner’s homes, along with other venues. The first book we will explore is Early Christian Writings: The Apostolic Fathers (Penguin Classics), which is available online or at the parish office for $12. This book is a collection of ancient Christian writings dating before the year 200 A.D. By reading these writings, we will glimpse what the early Christians thought and believed. Their writings use simple language and concepts, but they are rich in imagery, theology, and history. If you are willing to host a week in your home please call the parish office as soon as possible. Our first gathering will begin on June 1 at the rectory meeting room. We will have wine, cheese, and other snacks available that evening as we explore the theme of the coming weeks. Please join and explore the treasures of our faith. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
June 2011
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