Religiosity vs Spirituality

Religiosity vs Spirituality

Reading a book on a daily basis results in being religiously addicted to this effort.  Attending church either on Sunday or at times weekly shows how religious a person is to this activity.  When someone appears to be doing anything indicating their adherence to an effort they show a religious mode as an outcome.

Religious activity does not reflect a spirit motivated individual.  What it is in fact is a common practice to anything that a person is using to satisfy a personal need. 

Lately, I overheard a woman commenting that President Biden is religious.  So, if we see him attending Catholic Mass on occasion or making the sign of the cross we can say for certain he appears to be religious.  Even watching sports participants make the sign of the cross right before entering into their event we might comment how everyone resembles a Roman Catholic.

However, as mentioned above being religious does not make anyone a practicing Catholic, it just uses Catholic entities to fulfill their religious ego.  

Attending Holy Mass places the participants right up there indicating how religious they are.  In fact, everyone who involves themselves with church sacramentals are also being religious in their choices to assist the church’s needs to reach out to others.  This is evangelizing and we are all called to participate as well.  The downside of just being religious without an understanding of a spirit filled attitude can leave a void in one’s reaching out via a Christ centered commitment.  

Jesus explained to his followers, especially the Pharisees, that being just religious does nothing towards an individual’s grasp of their spiritual connection to God.  In the Sermon on the Mount he told them; “take care not to perform religious deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.  When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others.  Amen , I say to you, they have received their reward.  But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret.  And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.”  (Mt 6: 1 - 4).  

Likewise from Matthew: All their works are performed to be seen.  They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.”  (a method of indicating the results of all their accomplishments; like a boy scout earning badges to become an Eagle Scout).  (Mt 23: 5).

Do not involve yourself with religious accomplishments in order to be called religious.  Find the spiritual meaning of religiosity and allow the grace of God, through his Son Jesus Christ enter your life and find a peace that can only come through obedience to the God of heaven.  Herein is the vast difference between being noticed and God noticing you in his peace.

Ralph B. Hathaway