Articulating Hope
  • Home
  • Deacon Vernon's Blog
  • Speaking Engagements
  • Book Discussion Guide

Heaven or Hell--Smoking or Non-Smoking?

7/25/2014

1 Comment

 
Picture
I have been to hell and back.  Okay, I have been to Hell, Grand Cayman but I have not been to Hell, Michigan.  I have been to Purgatory, Colorado but have not been to Purgatory, Maine.  It has been more of a challenge to get to heaven.  I have not been to Heaven Heights, Massachusetts nor have I been to Paradise in Newfoundland, Canada.  If I want to see paradise it would probably be easier to go to Paradise, Utah or Paradise, California since they are both closer.  Led Zeppelin was going to lead us on the "Stairway to Heaven," but apparently it is a difficult road since the band "Spirit" has now sued Zeppelin for "lifting the opening notes of Stairway to Heaven."

In Wyoming we have our own piece of Hell about 45 miles from Casper.  It is interestingly called "Hell's Half Acre."  That is interesting because the area encompasses about 320 acres.  (Maybe there was an attempt to minimize hell's influence to a half acre.)  According to some of the local historians the area was actually known as "The Devil's Kitchen" back in 1833.  Thus, the area has been connected to the realms of hell in one fashion or another for nearly 200 years. 

Interesting and odd names for towns and locations can attract attention, but do they make us stop and pause to consider the deeper realities?  A parade float created to resemble a saloon with plenty of alcohol flowing creates an image in and of itself.  Add a sign "Hell's Half Acre" with a depiction of the flames of hell and the image increases in intensity.  Maybe Billy Joel had a point when he sang, "I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints because sinners are much more fun."  Then again, he may have never considered the ultimate consequences for living a lifestyle contrary to the teachings of the Gospel. 

Reflections on the "four last things" used to be a serious matter.  We pondered death, judgment, heaven, and hell and recognized the significance of walking humbly with our God.  In modern culture we seem to see a much more casual attitude regarding these eternal issues.  It almost appears that we don't even believe in the existence of hell although Sacred Scripture certainly refutes that proposition.

My closing questions for today are simply these:

Where do we draw the line in regard to our attitude toward spiritual things?  Do we find ourselves too casual, too serious, or just right?  Do we have an understanding of where to draw the line between the cultural idea of "fun" and outright "blasphemy?"  
1 Comment
Ingrid Borah
7/25/2014 01:52:41 pm

our line regarding our attitude towards spiritual things is drawn in shifting sands. we are too casual and I see this too often in the Holy Mass when we are late coming in after Mass begins or one of the readings, receiving communion and then darting off afterwards. Not judging people, just behavior. We domesticate Jesus as Fr Barron says and this is not good. However, in the context of people not understanding Jesus, we have to fight as we can in this battle. Give away sacramentals, the Miraculous Medal, or St Benedict Medal..do we do this much? There is operative power by doing this because God has given a means to do so...Do it.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013

    Author

    This is my personal blog.  The opinions expressed are those of Deacon Vernon and the blog's readers.  This site operates independently and is not affiliated with any other entity. The information I provide is on an "as-is" basis. I make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information on this blog. I will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information. Furthermore, I will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use.

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.