Adjustments

[Sojourner]

In becoming Catholic, I had to make a lot of adjustments in the mechanics of faith, some of which have been a little ... awkward? While I'm starting to feel a little more confident, I still don't feel like this is second-nature to me yet.

There was a thread I found digging through old Open Mic stuff in which elfdream talked about [url="http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/index.php?showtopic=10266"]feeling a little weird after first confession[/url]. I can definitely relate to that, although subsequent confessions have been easier.

Another area in which I've had to adjust is the whole body posture thing. I have never been really into physical expressions of faith, so stuff like crossing myself or bowing at certain points, or genuflecting simply don't come naturally to me yet. I love them, and I love that they're part of worshiping God as a whole person -- body, mind, heart, and soul -- but they still trip me up.

Anyone else have these experiences?

[KennC]

I used to make the sign of the Cross years before I became Catholic, I never knew it was just a Catholic thing?? ... went to Confession before I was Catholic as well, he couldn't give me formal Absolution but wow, what a weight off my life and a tremendous healing experience. Genuflecting did feel a bit awkward until the Eucharist really came to me, then, I never thought about.

Peace of Christ, Ken

[cmotherofpirl]

Isn't it cool though to worship God with your body and soul...

[Sojourner]

It is very good to be able to do that ... and it's one of the things that really attracted me to the Church. I guess it's just that 26 years of practice being one of the "frozen chosen" doesn't get erased overnight.

[theculturewarrior]

I hear you, Sojourner. I was unchurched, and I'm sure I looked funny at times genuflecting or giving the sign of the cross. Fortunately though, practice makes perfect, and the practice is fun and holy.

Go to Adoration...You'll get plenty of practice genuflecting and signing!

[PedroX]

I'm still afraid I'm going to poke my eye out when the gospel is read and we do the triple cross. (I call it "the triple cross of confusion")

peace...

[crusader1234]

well... a few thoughts frome a cradle catholic:

genuflecting feels weird even for me
-for the triple cross ... think oe oven forehead for mind, once over lips for speech, once over heart for, well for your heart
[b]"i will think god's word, speak god's word, and cherish it in my heart"[/b]
... thats stuck w/ me since first communion

[Crusader_4]

Yea i dunno the sign of the cross to me is soo..peaceful it puts my mind to rest and relaxes me knowing that God is with me altho i really have to work hard to make sure i take something out of it everytime i do it.

[Sojourner]

[quote name='PedroX' date='May 6 2004, 03:21 PM'] I'm still afraid I'm going to poke my eye out when the gospel is read and we do the triple cross. (I call it "the triple cross of confusion")

peace... [/quote]
If you did that and I saw you, I would laugh and laugh. :unplugged:

Edited May 7, 2004 by Sojourner