That's not God calling . . .

Thus far, I have completed two weeks of seminary. I can think of at least four occasions which class was interupted by a cell phone. I also recall a time when worship was interupted. With these things in mind, I was not suprised to read that some Catholic churches in Mexico have begun to use jammers to block cell signals.

"These devices have solved a very big problem for us," said Gloria Cardenas Aguero, secretary at the Rosario church. "This time in church belongs to God, and you should respect it."

You can read the entire article here.

I think that we have lost some of what it means to come into the presence of God, both individually and as a community. I mean, God will always welcome us, regardless of our condition. But if you are going to have an important conversation with someone, you do not take a call in the middle of that conversation. A congregation at worship is in the middle of giving glory and honor to the Creator of the universe. What is it that could be important enough that you need to interupt that worship? Please, just turn the phone off.