Speaking of missed opportunities, I wonder how many homilists failed to see the message running through today’s scripture readings for the Feast of the Assumption. It is hard to see how we can preach about Mary and omit significant parts of her great hymn—the Magnificat.

Richard Rohr says that, when we lost the mystical element of our faith, we turned to pietism. Religion came to focus on a personal relationship between the person and God. In Catholicism, it was cast as having to save one’s soul. Pietism focuses on personal practice designed to assure one’s own salvation. This too is the thrust of much evangelical faith—have you given your life to Jesus? Continue reading →