Mike: Reminds me of the  invented sin, scrupulosity, and guilt  that marked the legalistic Church of my youth--and that many want to bring back.


 Calls to the rectory, "Father, are we allowed to___?" "Father, is it a sin to___" Father, at what time is Lent over?" "Father, is a barbecue potato chip meat?" "Father, are eggs and milk banned since they come directly from animals?" "Father, are Sundays still Lent?" "Father, is it penance if it feels good?" "Father, can I abstain on Thursday if I want to eat a hot dog on opening day at Wrigley Friday?" "Father, how do I add up two meals to see if they equal a third meal?" "Father, is a gel aspirin meat?" "Father, is a milk shake a liquid?" "Father, can we have sex before Mass?"  

It's like Groucho Marx, banned as a Jewish applicant to a WASP country club: "OK, but my daughter's only half Jewish. Can she swim in the pool up to her waist?"  

We need more rigid rules! More clarity! "Confusion is of the devil," as Abp. Chaput says.