In Which Soaring Soprano Is Very...

...edified.

I had meant to share this a few days ago, when it was first brought to my attention, but I kept forgetting about it. All the same, I'm sharing it now, and I hope you all are as edified by the news as I have been. 

Spanish Soccer Player Promises to Make Pilgrimage

What's ironic about this for me is that I had been thinking about the piety of the Spanish soccer players while the World Cup was being played. It was during the Final match to be precise.While watching the Final, I took note of the fact that every time a Spanish player entered or left the field, they made the Sign of the Cross.

Alas, I must admit, however, that my initial reaction to this display of  religious sentiment was not a favorable one. I can hear my audience gasping even now as I type this, but to clarify, I wasn't thinking that it was bad to make Public Displays of Adoration of God. Rather, I was pulled into the trap that so many Traditional Catholics fall prey to, especially those of us that are cradle Traddies. I will hang my head and admit that I was attacked by a feeling of "Holier-Than-Thou."

HTT is a very dangerous feeling regardless of whether you're a Trid or not, but it's most fatal to those of us that adhere steadfastly to the "outdated" traditions of the Church. For us, HTT should be viewed as the Black Plague of all Black Plagues, for that is exactly what it is. It is a blight upon the soul of an otherwise clean and shiny Catholic. It is Pride at it's worst... *cue scary music*

From experience, let me just say that the disease of HTT makes any well-meaning, pious person become nothing more than a nagging, judgmental basket-case. Of course, when we've got HTT we don't think of ourselves that way, but that's how we come across to others. It doesn't help people; it turns people away.

"Ugh," they say. "Why would I want to be a Catholic (or a Traddie, or even a Christian)? Look at how she's behaving! I don't want to be like that!"

Okay, well maybe they won't consciously think that, but that's the internal dialogue that takes place between their brain and the little demon on their shoulder. That little demon on their shoulder is being a good Screwtape and is finding any excuse for them to not listen to the truth. And guess what? Those of us that allow ourselves to be infected with HTT are only helping that blasted demon!!!

Anyway, I need to stop preaching and get on with my story...

So, my first thought upon seeing the Spanish soccer players bless themselves was to wonder how many of them were just doing it as a superstitious practice. My own personal Screwtape was whispering into my ear, "How many of them actually pray on a daily basis, I wonder? I'll bet they only pray when it's convenient (i.e. when they need something)..."

Thankfully, two things stopped the beginning stages of HTT in its tracks. First, my Guardian Angel was being very helpful, as is usual, and for which I am incredibly grateful. She promptly shoved Screwtape off my shoulder, told him to get lost and then reminded me to think nice thoughts.

I was very glad for that, because it reminded me that I had company for whom I had to be on my best behaviour. I was watching the soccer match with one of my best friends, and he's an Anglican considering becoming a Catholic. My Guardian Angel's nudge made me promptly (with the help of grace, of course) discard all those nasty thoughts, and I immediately thought of lots of positive things. I then mentioned to my friend how edifying it was to see them make the Sign of the Cross on international television, to help reinforce those positive sentiments. Honestly, superstitious or not, it takes a great deal of Fortitude to make the Sign of the Cross in public like that, especially when the whole world is watching.

Then, to reward my positive thinking and to drive home my lesson in humility, I come across the news article which deals with the very subject that I'd been wondering about... the piety of the Spanish soccer players. When I read it... well, then I was honestly, truly edified... the first time around.

Faith is, indeed, a beautiful treasure. And it is one that deserves to be put on display for all to see. Not, however, for our own glorification, because then we'd be infested with HTT. Rather, it should be seen as a light, a small candle among many others, each helping to light the path to Christ, so that others may find the way too.