I found myself walking with a young man from Sicily who knew the very town my family comes from and still lives. It is called “Piana de Albanese.” My grandmother’s ancestry extends to the country of Albania, and many of its people emigrated to Sicily, a melting pot of cultures in Italy, allowing for multiple dialects to develop. The dialect my family speaks sounds very italiano but is a beautiful fusion of communication.
This young man, Frederico, was shocked when he learned I was a priest. A wonderful young man with a joyful spirit. But he made it clear he had no use for religion, whatsoever….any. I asked him why he felt this way and if he believed in any sort of “god.” He said that he believed in the “universe” and its energies. EVERYTHING is god. I simply said to him it sounded like he found true joy, but inside I felt only sad, especially since he said Catholicism is nearly dead in Sicily. And it is. The truth pierces the heart.
And Jesus, who IS Love and breaths his spirit…his “energy” on us ALL. But he also says in today’s gospel that the way that leads to emptiness is wide open, free from the constraints of any “dogma” that limits. While the way to salvation is quite narrow, indeed. He is calling us to enter through the narrow gate. Jesus’s language is much the opposite of Frederico’s. What do you think about the ”narrow way?” Is doctrine and dogma to be tossed aside as archaic? Do you believe in an “absolute truth that comes from an outside reality?
Question to ponder. It’s no wonder organized religion is quickly fading…for now. Beautiful religion will emerge with a new determination and purpose.
Also: Sicily has become the place to vacation, a destination for those with resources. As tourism increases, religion decreases. Another thought to ponder.