I’ve quoted you so everyone can see your post again. Also, thank you.
I read all of the linked article. Very interesting. Thanks.
I don't think sleeveless blouses are ok most anywhere and the article talks non-specifically about that. Women look at guys almost like they look at them and so guys need to dress modestly. Still, why dress less formally than you do for work. I think, psychologically, it says something about your respect for the place and the one or One who runs it. Why must it be one or the other, but both if it's convenient? Why not both equally? Obviously, you shouldn't think your state of soul is equatable to formalwear of fine threads (Sister Mariana in the link's soul was equatable to a dress with fine threads, but she did have a uniform you don't wear to a mall and it is the most proper moderately-formal wear for a religious sister), but they can help each other reach a moderate level of formal preparation for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (the angels aren't dressing down as a concern for being too showy; we can dress in law-firm wear for one stinkin' hour--the time limit being "stinkin'"). Does it matter it's not required?It is not about being judged. It is about respect to God and His divine worship! The importantance of Sunday Mass!
I was speaking of the judgement of God - the only judgement that matters.
St. Francis, Jesus, St Martin, and Mother Teresa must have been liberal hippies, because they advocated the same thing. All you have to do is open your eyes and read their writings.
St. Vincent de Paul also founded a number of communities, still alive and well today. Knowing that his Sisters would be out among the poor and very much in the world, he gave them “for your veil, holy modesty.” Yes, of course they wore head coverings, true to the directives of the day (400 years ago in France) but he insisted they NOT swath themselves in reams of material that would make them appear to be like other women (nuns and laity) of the time. His insistence rather was that they clothe themselves in VIRTUE. How appropriate. How wise. How good!
How about this?
Well then, there you have it. I would never dress in shorts and a tee - anywhere - except at home during true heat waves and yes, it would be for comfort. I dress in a way that allows me to enter any church or chapel at anytime and know that I’m modestly dressed. (Not that there are many unlocked churches these days as there were during my childhood and young adult years, but that’s another issue.) All of the coworkers that I’ve known have seen me at meals over the years (at work) and have seen me dressed identically to attend Mass. Isn’t this a case of “to each his own?” I couldn’t recall what any ten people wore at the last Mass I attended. Probably not even what five people wore. I’m certain that my fellow parishoners pay as little attention to my clothes.
Thank you. Your posts are wise, and truthful.
Guess I might as well state the obvious.
Sorry, but if you think the Holy Mass is a “meal” you are poorly catechized.
She was just trying to make a point about her priorities in dressing for mass. Technically, the mass is a Sacrifice, memorial, liturgy and the Lord’s Supper.
I’m with you and piouswoman on this, too. I believe the tendency to fall back on the “God sees my interior disposition” is often an excuse to be lazy with one’s exterior disposition. And I think the exterior disposition is very important. We are to present ourselves to God, especially in His House, in our best possible outward appearance out of respect for Him, for we would certainly do so for exalted humans. It has been put forward here several times that one would put on his/her finest to visit a president or king, or more likely a pop star, but that seems to fly over the heads of some.
The new code of canon law is not entirely in conformity with what has always and everywhere been taught by all Catholics. If laws do not express Catholic doctrine, or express something contrary to it (ecumenism for example), then for serious reasons of Faith we may and should question and refuse them.