How or whether we should be pious has not been emphasized in progressive Christianity, but it is worth considering in this post-Lest, post-Pentecost time. I'd be hard pressed to find articles in progressive Christian blogs or books that explore or even touch on piety. Personally, it's not something I regularly think about; in fact, I'd say that piety has not been a priority for me nor something that I am particularly comfortable doing. Part of it is due to the fact that I believe that practicing solidarity with the oppressed is the best way I can live out my faith. Yet another part has to do with having deeply internalized the warning in the scriptures about practicing piety before others to be seen by them.
Last week, my home (Catholic) parish hosted a seven-day ritual titled "The Walls of Jericho" during which the Holy Eucharist is exposed and the faithful participate in perpetual (24 hours) prayer and adoration of that Sacrament. I participated twice, each time during the 5 - 6 a.m. time slot. I'll admit - it was hard to get me there each time, and not because of the time (I am definitely a morning person). But perhaps surprisingly, during and after my time there, I felt grateful, hopeful, and re-energized about the good news that Jesus reveals to us and for the work of justice. It begged the question for me: is there something of worth in this "piety" business?
At its best, when we engage in a practice of piety, we practice being in communion with the Divine. In so doing, we recognize and affirm not only our own relationship with the Divine but also the one we share with others as siblings. As a result, we are more apt to do the work of justice not out of obedience or adherence to any rule, but motivated by the connection we share with others.
In the moments in which I kneel to adore the Holy Eucharist (what for Catholics is the transubstantiated body of Christ, Jesus present in the Host) and engage in concentrated communication with the Divine, I am also made aware of the other devout participants and of the community that is formed in this seemingly strictly individual practice. This community transcends physical boundaries, bonding all those who approach the Divine with the same reverence. And as a member of that community, I am accountable to them.
I've always struggled with piety, going as far as saying that I will still find myself feeling embarrassed when taking part in more public acts of piety (I will always rub the ashes off from my forehead promptly after Ash Wednesday service). Yet, it is when I'm struggling with it or even rejecting piety that I like to remember that piety is also about belonging; we all exist in loving relationship to the Divine, and to each other. It is how piety comes to be a gift; indeed, we Catholics believe that piety is one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Practicing piety is and perhaps will not be not for everyone. But I encourage you to consider piety as a practice that will comfort and sustain you, especially when the struggle for justice becomes overwhelming or unbearable.
Practicing piety,
Paulina Piña Garcia
PCU Administrator