I went to Mass today at St. Victor's in West Hollywood with my wife and the priest gave a challenging message. He saw a letter to the editor in Vogue magazine (he had nothing else to read in the doctor's waiting room) that had a stern word for the author of a previous article where said author went up to communion at a wedding Mass in order to get a close look at the lace on the wedding party's dresses. If one should respect the wishes that others don't believe in Catholic rituals and traditions the writer of the letter to the editor argues that the least amount of respect should be given to those that do. It makes a lot of sense to me. Although we have freedom (how fitting since we just celebrated Independence Day) that doesn't give us license to do whatever we want.
The priest went on to say that a recently deceased friend of his who was a successful producer shared his disappointment that although he was never afraid of his Catholic beliefs he was always treated as though there was something wrong with him. He adds by mentioning a writer who gives workshops said that there are many catholics in Hollywood and most of them are silent.
And now here comes the challenge. Too long have I been afraid that my Catholic beliefs would hinder my progress in any human endeavor I attempt. Now is the time to lay it all out, coming out of the closet as it were, and let my beliefs truly be a part of my life. Not a hidden secret only to be whispered underground to other catholics who hide in the shadows. Of course that doesn't mean standing on a soapbox on the corner of Sunset and Vine. I'm a Chargers fan but I don't paint my face with a golden bolt in public, if you get what I mean.
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