Smoke Signals

  It certainly seems appropriate in this windy month of March to be discussing religion. It is Lent, and a Holy time of the year. Especially in organized religion, this is Jesus reason for the season. Coming down from the cross and away from the tomb, is BIG, in any spiritual journey.
 Right now, I'm engulfed in angst, looking for white smoke, like a crazy catholic. Which I am not, I am  just an unbalanced episcopalian, who frequents the nearest catholic church.
The doctrine is very familiar, I know all the prayers, and I even like that they give Mary her due.
What I don't like is MUCH!! I do take communion, Jesus said that all could partake, not just Rose Kennedy. I believe in Planned Parenthood with all that is in me. Birth control is a miracle!!! Being a pedophile is Satan, so the catholic church has some big problems. Confession, don't care, I like talking to people, shrinks, priests, anyone who will listen. When I think about it, all churches have their crosses to bear. The catholic church just has more ornate crosses, and I do like pretty.

So I have an intense interest in this new pope. I want him to be able to change things. He has to be younger then 80, and sweet looking. He should embrace women in all stations of the church, and allow priests and nuns to marry. Being married to Jesus, is not working. I also think he has to think about the church paying taxes, in fact all churches should not be owning property like the Vatican or New York and not pay taxes.
Also this kissing the ring, reminds me of the Godfather, so that can go too.
Cardinals wearing the red, is a little freaky ,unless you are Father Ralph in The Thorn Birds!

So while all the cardinals were out to lunch waiting for the next time to vote, I have been in prayer for this group of religious leaders.
Here is my prayer:
               Oh My God, you have to help these people. They are stuck in some time warp, and are hurting people. Let them listen to you and walk toward your light of strength and peace.  Oh...and thank you for letting me have a nice Catholic church a few blocks from my home, I wish it were Episcopalian, but it has nice stained glass windows and candles to light, so thank you.
AND waiting for this smoke seems really slow in this age of computers, so think about it, when the next time rolls around. I pray for a nice, smart pope.
                             Your child,
                                Bonnie
Oh I love you, and please take care of my boy in heaven. I know you are busy, but you promised!

Amen and Amen
( note I could not decide to use capitals for Episcopalian or Catholic, sometimes the computer would correct it, and sometimes it left them alone, so I left them as they appear. All different, just like all of us. Its a God thing, I'm sure)