Further observations on yesterday’s festivities for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. In spite of the rain, folks were out and about on the streets with umbrellas. The weather was no determent. Long lines formed to attend Mass at the Duomo. Crowds gathered to witness the lighting of the Christmas tree.
All wonderful. I noticed, however, that I had no desire to participate actively as part of this joyful community. Maybe it’s because I’m not Roman Catholic; maybe because I have chosen to travel alone; maybe because I could watch the tree lighting from my apartment window—probably all three.
Thinking further for this prayerdiary blog, I notice that when traveling alone I have little interest in attending a church service, whereas at home, Sunday worship is part of my routine. One reason I travel alone is to step away from community. Here in Florence I walk around with God and spend time in churches. God in Trinity is very present to me. I guess I don’t need community and ritual for these two weeks.
All wonderful. I noticed, however, that I had no desire to participate actively as part of this joyful community. Maybe it’s because I’m not Roman Catholic; maybe because I have chosen to travel alone; maybe because I could watch the tree lighting from my apartment window—probably all three.
Thinking further for this prayerdiary blog, I notice that when traveling alone I have little interest in attending a church service, whereas at home, Sunday worship is part of my routine. One reason I travel alone is to step away from community. Here in Florence I walk around with God and spend time in churches. God in Trinity is very present to me. I guess I don’t need community and ritual for these two weeks.
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