Once again, we've gone to Sunday mass. Once again, I've observed how much more effective and efficient it would be to hold the Mass both as a traditional service and as a WebMass, with streaming video of the service, downloadable MP3s of the homily, on-screen scrolling text for the hymns, and a click here to make a donation. And lets not forget the reduced carbon footprint created by not having to drive there, find parking, clog the streets to and fro. Or how helpful this would be for the ill, the infirm, the elderly. It just makes sense. Once again, the wisdom of this approach was denied by my wife. Oh, these Luddites.
An article in today's Washington Post is about a person who who, ten years ago, would have been on top of the world, but today isn't even on the training slopes - a girl who excelled in high school, got an MBA from a respected college, has met the Dalai Lama and Joe Biden (though not at the same time), and was clearly on the fast track to success -- and who now is living at home again, and can't even get a low-paying job. Can't even get a job interview. What in the world is up with that? Sometimes I look at things like that and think you're so smart, YOU figure out what to do. At least I know what to do about the cover article in Parade magazine, which is about 'charming but shy' Hugh Grant, who's just looking for a lifetime love. Turn the page, that's what.
I think Obama needs Leo McGarry. Or Rahm Emmanuel needs to toughen up and slap some Democrats around. I also think Mary Landrieu is a Republican at heart -- except that if they were in power, and she pulled that stunt, she'd find that all federal funds to Louisiana have mysteriously dried up. Democrats reward her for it.
Why don't laptops have interchangeable hard drives?
An article in the Post is titled "Americans conflicted over Afghanistan war", and in a sub-head "I'm confused. What is our objective?" Good question. If we stay there, it's going to be long and painful, and we're not going to get anything useful out of it until we can stomp out the Al-Quaeda vermin and their clones, there and elsewhere. It's like fumigating your house at great expense, but doing nothing to keep the critters from swarming back in as soon as the exterminator's truck leaves. Next morning, the rats are on the kitchen table, looking up as you enter. "Hey, where'd you guys move the cheese?" So, what's our objective? As clearly and concisely as you can, Barack. No flags, no bugles.
We finally changed the smoke detector batteries today. One of those things that we were thinking about for weeks, finally bought the batteries last week, and actually put them in today. My wife usually does it, but she was busy, so I did it. I am amazed at how inelegant the design of those things is -- or that you actually can put the damn battery in backward, and the holder will close, letting you fight to screw the device back in place, before it starts to beep accusingly. Hey, dummy!
8 comments:
Funny. I went to Mass this week, too. Despite my techitude don't think it would be better as a web feature.
Why not? Seriously, it makes a lot of sense to me. I'm not advocating getting rid of the communal environment, but for those who are physically unable to attend, or just don't want to, it's a great alternative. Certainly hasn't hurt the financial health of those megachurches.
Techitude, huh? I like it.
Because Catholicism is profoundly communal. Going back to those secret meetings in the tombs of Rome.
Because when we drag ourselves there, often expecting to be bored or offended, we see the old white-haired couple slowly walking to the altar to receive and wink at the sweet little boy who's just about to speak out loudly.
Because Catholicism has sacraments which require at least two, and bc Issa said "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am also."
Profoundly communal? Perhaps for those who find inspiration therein. Not me.
Can't gathering be electronic? Must it be corporeal?
How can one receive Communion virtually?
BTW, I'm part of God's loyal opposition. I'm here to say those who believe in him are giving him a bad name. ;)
Well there's two answers to that. One, of course, is that you don't actually need the physical item for the event -- but I understand the psychological need for it -- so I propose the alternative -- a shipment of wafers on a recurrent basis. One is selected each time you attend the web mass, and that one is the one that is the designated one. That one is consumed by the recipient. Ah, but what if they go through the ceremony, but don't consume it? Same as now. They go to hell.
As for those who give it a bad name -- well, some certainly do. But people disagree as to who those 'some' are.
Eucharist in CATHOLIC theology has to be actually received bc it's not symbolic but real. Just sayin'...
In current theology, yes. In cyber-theology, not necessarily. Comes the great plague, when families stay at home just to survive, you'd have them forgo the institution of Mass just because they can't go out? Or sooner than that, because they want to reduce their carbon footprint? I'm surprised at you, V.
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