Tony asked this question of modern North Americans. I wonder what he meant by that. We'll see if we can get there in a little bit. The second thought comes from a wonderful mentor of mine, a fellow by the name of Carlile Marney. For many years, he was pastor at Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Laity are part of the priesthood.
Anyway, Marney's question had to do with whether or not we as priests to one another in the modern church can understand that tension and tragedy can be God's gift to us. O Spirit of Creation, renew us. I found her at the back door of this building this week. She was on the way out the door with a puzzled questioning look on her face. She was attractive, well-dressed, and as I approached her, she began to show a broad pleasant smile.