https://www.ncregister.com/news/some-bishops-propose-the-return-of-the-friday-meat-fast?utm_campaign=NCR&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9mDmAM0vEr5zeB4RmVuxOKFhdoomWghmtfEJhNThVxu8aZObuw2EnwujUHKfQl9pDTnjmsTvm69iGnvbayAEuUtM50jA&_hsmi=335068882&utm_content=335068882&utm_source=hs_email

Great initiative and sorely needed. A large part of the reason why there has been so much falling away, so much secularization of Catholics generally whereby they have turned from being true, passionate & authentic into feebly nominal Catholics, not to mention Sunday pew-warmers at best! – has to do with the abandonment of such beneficial spiritual practices.

Although I heartily agree with just about all that the bishops interviewed for this article have said, I must disagree with Maria Morrow’s assertion that “communal observance” of such devotional practices makes those involved less susceptible to fallen pride of the spiritual kind than if just observed on a personal level. Why? Because families are equally susceptible to falling to the temptation of “fallen communal pride” as are individuals to the sin of “non-communal spiritual arrogance”. Collective spiritual haughtiness is as baneful as individual haughtiness and can even be more of a threat if not reined in as many of the sad realities stemming from the abuse crisis have testified to. That said, this issue detracts from the main point of the article:

Namely, that the Church officiallly restoring largely abandoned & forgotten spiritual practices can pave the way for a healthy & steadfast renewal of the faith in all earnestness, provided such practices are done w/ a sincere heart disposed to doing God’s Holy Will through love 😄