Stumbling blocks or building blocks

Romans 14:12-19

          What is a stumbling block ( to faith )?  What is it that is most important to 'achieve' salvation?

           When I was a young lad, we had the distinct impression from nuns, priests and adults that our faith was intricately bound by certain actions on our part. Making the sign of the cross, dipping your fingers in holy water, the manner and angle at which you held your hands in prayer were crucial if you were to be good and holy and have your prayers answered.  Forget that the speed of light manner of saying the Hail Mary or the Lord's Prayer for penance after confession' that seemed not to be as crucial.  These are impediments to our faith in as much as they do not lead you to faith. They certainly can enrich your faith but the are not ever the essence of your faith. 

            When I was in a prayer group for most of the 1980's and 90's we were not afraid to take on many contemporary issues of faith even if the hierarchy told us not to. Many good people had difficulty with the concept of hell. One particular person was troubled because they loved 

God, knew that God loved them and also loved their son ( who happened to be into some bad stuff, had been abused by a Priest as a youth and professed to almost hating God. ) These beautiful people struggled with the concept of hell, that knowing their sons' actions might be something he might have to face sooner than later. Besides professional help for the son, we researched a great deal, we read an excellent book called Good Goats and had some very serious discussions. Like many things that hurt, hinder or stand in the way of our faith, we agreed to hold that issue aside. We would not let that or any issue get in the way of our faith. 

          Another occasion arose in my life when a Pastor whom I greatly admired was accused of some horrible things. There seemed to be a multi faceted vendetta against him for a number of reasons. One oddly enough was that he let a fellow Deacon make the Eucharist for Thanksgiving day Mass. The Deacon used some honey in the process which invalidated the whole Eucharist according to some troglodyte, legalistic parishioners. ( talk about impediments to faith! ) Anyway there was this vendetta of sorts against this man who had been a mentor and an inspiration to me. I was crushed when all the sordid accusations came out. I fell into a religious slump until I realized that my faith is not linear through my pastor. I had a direct line myself! I was able to put aside my misgivings and not let his issues get in the way of my faith. My faith flourished, I was able to support my Pastor ( who was completely cleared ) and I learned several valuable life lessons.

        Whenever we broaden the scope of religiosity to include dogmas, rules and personal acts of piety we create stumbling blocks and potential impediments to faith. The basics can be found in the Apostles Creed; the basics can be found in the two great commandments and in the love of Jesus Christ.

        Those that swear about what is the most important or put man made stuff on the same par as God's  love should be aware that it seems God does not take kindly to people who put stumbling blocks in the way of people. If you have a way to peace, truth and love that's great but is most likely not anyone else's path. Enjoy the journey of your own. It is as unique as you are, as God created you.

So then, each of us will be accountable to God.

Let us therefore no longer pass judgement on one another, but resolve instead never to put a stumbling-block or hindrance in the way of another. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. If your brother or sister is being injured by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. Do not let what you eat cause the ruin of one for whom Christ died. So do not let your good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. The one who thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and has human approval. Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual edification.