Thanks for this, Mark. You can think of each of our actions in the liturgy as a special kind of attention. For example, when we acclaim Christ before and after the Gospel reading, saying "Praise to you, Lord Christ" and "Glory to you, Lord Christ," we are paying attention to Christ's presence among us, but attending especially to his glory, his magnificence, his greatness. And I don't necessarily think we do that without a dopamine rush. If we're really paying attention to his glory, surely we'll have as much of a rush as we sometimes do attending to a glorious sunset or a glorious lily, or a glorious neighbor.
It's wonderful to see you back. I've always enjoyed your insights and how they challenge and inspire me. I'm intrigued by you equation of prayer with what we give attention to. Can prayer, therefore, be nothing more sophisticated that what we attend to? I realize highly formal forms of prayer can have their place, but I like the idea that just going about our days with a mindfulness towards God can be our most profound form of prayer.
Hope we can start hearing more from you again soon. God bless.
That's a major topic, today, in behavioral studies. "I am addicted ...." The category of IDOLATRY -- that's the dynamic, the perspective and the process into which it not only fits but in which it can sometimes be best dealt with.
Thanks for this, Mark. You can think of each of our actions in the liturgy as a special kind of attention. For example, when we acclaim Christ before and after the Gospel reading, saying "Praise to you, Lord Christ" and "Glory to you, Lord Christ," we are paying attention to Christ's presence among us, but attending especially to his glory, his magnificence, his greatness. And I don't necessarily think we do that without a dopamine rush. If we're really paying attention to his glory, surely we'll have as much of a rush as we sometimes do attending to a glorious sunset or a glorious lily, or a glorious neighbor.
Good point!
I find this very true. Thank you.
It's wonderful to see you back. I've always enjoyed your insights and how they challenge and inspire me. I'm intrigued by you equation of prayer with what we give attention to. Can prayer, therefore, be nothing more sophisticated that what we attend to? I realize highly formal forms of prayer can have their place, but I like the idea that just going about our days with a mindfulness towards God can be our most profound form of prayer.
Hope we can start hearing more from you again soon. God bless.
That's a major topic, today, in behavioral studies. "I am addicted ...." The category of IDOLATRY -- that's the dynamic, the perspective and the process into which it not only fits but in which it can sometimes be best dealt with.