One of the aspects that I have grown to greatly appreciate about Latin religiosity is its emotional and devotional content. In my Anglo spiritual tradition, both in my youth as a Protestant and later as a Catholic, my religiosity is reserved. Reverence, hushed voices, and shiny shoes are the custom.
I remember one of my first visits to a Hispanic parish Texas. After the service, a man approached a statue of Jesus, whose hands were stretched out downwards as if waiting to receive a package. The man took hold of Jesus’ hands and began to pray. I found the scene to be touching and instructive about devotional practices. Further, I was sure that such a gesture would not have occurred in an Anglo parish.
While I do struggle with emotions in my spiritual practice, I am sure that God has strong emotions for me and his people. Today’s first reading is proof of this. God talks passionately about his people, as a parent talks about his child.
Today, I shall spend time being loved by God and loving in return. I will not be hesitant to express my love for God.
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