Back to the Middle Ages

When I was a student at a Catholic grammar school, we learned about indulgences, or ways to lower the time you would serve in purgatory.  In those days of the 20th century you could obtain indulgences primarily through praying.  In the Middle Ages you could earn indulgences by praying also, but the Church preferred that you pay cash for them; i.e., they sold them.

In this wonderful 21st century the Church has increased the number of ways indulgences may be earned.  Some examples:

• Climbing the Sacred Steps, in Rome (reportedly brought from Pontius Pilate's house after Jesus scaled them before his crucifixion).
• Attending the Catholic World Youth Day, in Rio de Janeiro.  Or following it closely on television or radio.
• Following the Day on Twitter live.

I had hopes when the current pope was selected.  Now, I'm not so sure.  It's more of the same bs and focus on idiocies.