{"id":172,"date":"2004-04-12T00:40:00","date_gmt":"2004-04-12T00:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bobtherieau.com\/blog\/index.php\/2004\/04\/12\/dfb96430-a1b9-4168-9852-61f0c85411bd\/"},"modified":"2018-06-13T01:30:01","modified_gmt":"2018-06-13T01:30:01","slug":"dfb96430-a1b9-4168-9852-61f0c85411bd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bobtherieau.com\/blog\/2004\/04\/dfb96430-a1b9-4168-9852-61f0c85411bd\/","title":{"rendered":""},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Easter 101: For Agnostics!<\/b><\/p>\n

The pagans (of many stripes) had a neat idea for a springtime celebration long ago that included symbols of rebirth like eggs and chocolate (chocolate? -ed<\/i> everyone knows that chocolate is an aphrodisiac! -bob). The Church (you pick, as long as it’s Christian) added a certain bit about the resurrection of their star player, than voila! Easter was, um, born!<\/p>\n

As a recovering Catholic, I haven’t attended a mass in nearly a decade, but Dad’s in town, is unfamiliar with the landscape, and I was hoping for something a little special for his Sunday observance. I settled on the oldest Catholic church in California<\/a> (gee, what a stretch! -ed<\/i>) which happens to be five minutes from The 1912 House. Mom declined the invitation for the 7:00 a.m. service, so Dad and I went this morning.<\/p>\n

Sure, I would’ve loved to spend more time in the old hall<\/a>, but the first (of ten!) services for the day was held in the newer chapel with broad windows that faced East overlooking Mission Gorge. This, combined with the padre’s thick Irish brogue, lent a certain atmosphere to the proceedings. A sunrise service without being outside, albeit with the side doors open, parishoners could take in the new daylight through the misty San Diego morning and Torrey Pines while listening to at least fifty birds wake up.<\/p>\n

Oh yeah, there was a Catholic mass too.<\/p>\n

I had enough respect for the institution to stand up when called upon, and sit down when that order was given. Kneeling? No thanks. “The Lord be with you…” was greeted by my silence (even though I knew the keyphrase to respond with). Like a test subject, I was champing at the bit at times to reply, but I knew that I shouldn’t. So I didn’t. Hell, I’ve been out of the religion biz for a good long time, why wake up that monster now?<\/p>\n

Dad enjoyed the service, the historical bits of the mission compound and, I think, that I went with him. What he and my Mom enjoyed more though, was being around my nephew. That kid’s full of exuberance, there’s no better way to put it. He loves Grandma and Grandpa. He was a little bit freaked out about Dad’s new lack of facial hair (“Mustache OFF! Grandpa!”), but got over that quickly. Naptime seemed a little less important to him. Sticks, balls, and leaves became immensely entertaining. He even developed a little in-joke by placing a finger under his nose (“Mustache OFF! Ha!”). <\/p>\n

The weekend worked out much better than expected (even though I overcooked the asparagus last night). We had a good time together and to coin a phrase, I feel blessed.<\/p>\n

by whom?<\/p>\n

who cares!<\/i><\/p>\n

Your best pal,<\/p>\n

bob<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Easter 101: For Agnostics! The pagans (of many stripes) had a neat idea for a springtime celebration long ago that included symbols of rebirth like eggs and chocolate (chocolate? -ed everyone knows that chocolate is an aphrodisiac! -bob). The Church (you pick, as long as it’s Christian) added a certain bit about the resurrection of … <\/p>\n

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