An invitation to SEE

[LPS]

How often at church do we “take notice” of others? We notice whether they genuflect well; whether they fully kneel on the kneelers; whether they sing; how they are dressed; how much reverence they show at communion; whether they receive in the hand or on the tongue; whether they partake of the precious blood; whether they leave early.

ALL of these lead to a degree of judging our brothers and sisters.

I invite you to try this at communion next time you go to mass. Close your eyes for a moment and ask God to help you truly SEE; to open your heart and your mind and to see others as He sees them; to remove any measure of judging from your heart.

Open your eyes, and SEE. See your brothers and sisters in Christ! See the faces of God’s beautiful creation, made in HIS image! See the body of Christ - many very different parts to the one beautiful body.

Really look - see how some people walk so lightly and delicately; how others’ steps are more measured and in pain; see how the child holds his father’s hand; how the woman gently guides the elderly man; how the children in a family favor their parents; how friends smile warmly at one another; how the college student seems strong and confident and the very old woman seems delicate and grace-filled.

My brothers and sisters, there is no need for us to judge those around us, especially at mass. What we do, we do it for the LORD.

Many times as I look at His reflection around me I am moved to tears at the sheer beauty. Other weeks I am simply filled with joy that I am in the company of these people, gathering to worship and to share communion.

God bless you all!

 

[tawny]

I really don’t find myself watching what others are doing at Mass. I’m too wrapped up in the Lord.

 

[Sarmad]

How often at church do we “take notice” of others? We notice whether they genuflect well; whether they fully kneel on the kneelers; whether they sing; how they are dressed; how much reverence they show at communion; whether they receive in the hand or on the tongue; whether they partake of the precious blood; whether they leave early.

I think it is appropriate to do that when you are teaching first communion kids about mass lol. But you’re right, there is so much beauty in the people who make up the Church, and in the mass itself! Thanks for this reminder and may God bless you too!!

P.S. Thanks for posting the Read the Catholic Bible in a Year!

 

[LPS]

I really don’t find myself watching what others are doing at Mass. I’m too wrapped up in the Lord.

That is true for me as well. I just become very saddened when I read comments here by people who are “watching” others at mass, as if they are just waiting for a reason to be offended or to criticize.

 

[LPS]

I think it is appropriate to do that when you are teaching first communion kids about mass lol. But you’re right, there is so much beauty in the people who make up the Church, and in the mass itself! Thanks for this reminder and may God bless you too!!

P.S. Thanks for posting the Read the Catholic Bible in a Year!

Sarmad, there IS such beauty in people! Thank you for your reply, and you are very welcome for the link. That was a lot of fun to put together and has been a great blessing to me!

 

[Matthew_Light]

This is a wonderful post, and so true.

Every face is our Lord’s face. We must come to SEE this and not just believe it somewhere in our head…