Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Today is the memorial of Our Lday of Mount Carmel, commemorating the giving of the scapular to the Carmelite order.

While today's readings do not really address the issue, I wanted to address a topic with the feast.

For more on the actual feast, hop on over to Padre Steve, SDB's, blog.

As a caveat, I do not wear a scapular, but have enrolled a number of people in the scapular. (I figure wearing a collar is pretty good protection.) I do always carry a rosary in my pocket.

To me, these traditions of wearing the scapular or medals or carrying a rosary highlight the 'tangible' nature of our faith. There are times when we need to hold on to something, maybe use it as a crutch in our prayers, maybe we are unable to pray during a time of crisis. Holding on to that rosary, embracing the protection of the scapular, gazing on the crucifix, is all a way that we are able to hold on to God's hand in time of trouble.

The connection with the Gospel that we must become childlike hits here. These 'sacramentals' give us something to hold on to when all else is in chaos. As a small child reaches up to grab mom or dad's hand when crossing the street, we reach up to grasp The Father's hand.