Interesting quote from the National Center for the Laity newsletter from a book by Russell Shaw (pdf file):
“This negativism about the world [called contemptus mundi] points to a serious problem for lay spirituality,” says Russell Shaw, because lay people are deeply involved in the world “of structures, institutions and relationships; [their] family, work, friendships, educational and cultural influences, systems of governance and economic life.”
Fortunately, Shaw continues, “Vatican II took a profoundly different view.” Work,
family life and civic involvements are hardly a distraction, according to Vatican II. In and of itself work contributes to the spiritual life—not only during one’s earthly journey, but also in some sense, notes Shaw, “the results of human activity in this world...last for eternity.” Unfortunately, the remarkable implications of Vatican II “still haven’t sunk in.”One obstacle, Shaw says, is a new type of clericalism that “tends to discourage lay people from cultivating a spirituality that rises above a rather low level.” ... The new clericalism, Shaw details, is “the assumption that the advancement of lay people requires admitting them to offices and functions previously reserved for clerics.” The post-Vatican II explosion of lay ministries (both voluntary and professional) is “a healthy development.” But the nearly exclusive emphasis on lay ministry in many parishes and Church agencies is “a damaging blow to the church’s mission.” The current “emphasis on activities within the structures and institutions of the Church” is a setback “to the need for a new evangelization” and it leaves lay people without their own worldly spirituality. Lay people, taking cues from Vatican II, have to craft “a genuinely lay spirituality,” Shaw concludes. It will be fashioned from the contours of work, marriage, family life and friendships.
Interesting. I need to get back to this. It dovetails with my interest in workplace spirituality. . For a longer article by Shaw go here.
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