Embarrassing Question

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MichelleTherese:
It’s almost impossible to not cause a disruption at Mass. If you are the least bit caught up in the Mass then you get stared at. Folks then tell you to “chill out” because you are “being disruptive” or worse: showing off. So I no longer know what to do and I stay half-tuned during Mass. I’ve had to give up a lot of things in order to quit being told I’m being “disruptive.” I’m beginning to think the label “disruptive” is a catch-all word for “you are too happy at Mass.”
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I used to sit in the first or second row of mass, but once I started to become more emotional, I decided to sit a couple more rows back so I wasn’t right in the front. Our congregation has a “U” shaped seating arrangement, so if you’re in the front, you can be viewed by two other sides in the front. You may want to choose a place to sit that isn’t as “conspicuous.” I never know when something’s going to hit me!

While we don’t want to draw attention to ourselves, we can’t always control our emotions, either. And it looks as though you have been a good influence on someone in your parish. When people ask me why I’m so emotional, I usually just tell them I’m so overwhelmed by Jesus’ great love for us that He would give Himself to us in the humble form of a piece of bread, that I can’t hold back my tears of love and appreciation!

For those who don’t understand, or who think you are a distraction, just say a prayer that they might one day receive this gift of being overcome by tears!
 
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Max:
It seems plenty of people have responded by saying that they too have wept like that during Mass…that’s truly an admirable thing, a “gift” as most of you have put it. But, I have a question…do any of you know when and how exactly this started? When did it begin have more meaning in your life, or have you had it since the beginning?

I ask because I, in a way, envy that feeling the “weepers” get during Mass. See, I’m the type that…well, I just stare off into space and end up paying very little attention to anything that’s going on. I’m ashamed to say it, but when I do pay attention…I’m still almost completely unmoved. I wish I had the experience most of you have when you go to mass, because I really don’t feel anything at all…not even when I take the Eucharist. So really, to all of you weepers…it’s not you who should be ashamed. It’s those of us who feel nothing who should, if anybody.
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Glory to Jesus Christ!

This thread is a wonderful exposition of the Gift of Tears! It is known in the east by this name and is very ancient phenomena.

Yes, it has happened to me too, I only had to wait 48 years for it to start!

I am so happy and proud to see this in the church today among so many different people. The Holy Spirit is moving among us. Faith, true and deep, is growing in the church. 🙂

**Creator of angels and Lord of angelic hosts: as You once opened the ears of the deaf and the mouths of the dumb, empower my dull mind and tongue to sing to You
*
O Jesus most wonderful, Marvel of angels!

O Jesus most powerful, Deliverer of our forefathers!

O Jesus most delightful, Exultation of patriarchs!

O Jesus most glorious, the Might of rulers!

O Jesus most beloved, the Fulfillment of prophets!

O Jesus most marvelous, the Strength of martyrs!

O Jesus most serene, the Joy of monks!

O Jesus most merciful, the Delight of priests!

O Jesus most kind, the Happiness of saints!

O Jesus most honorable, the Chastity of the chaste!

O Jesus everlasting Salvation of sinners!

O Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me! *

Glory be to You, O Christ our God and our hope: Glory Be to You!

May Christ our True God have mercy on us and save us, through the prayers of His most pure Mother and of the holy, glorious and illustrious Apostles and of all the Saints, for He is gracious and loves mankind. **
(from the Akathist to Jesus, 13th chant)

Amen
 
Hello again…some of you have asked about this “Gift of Tears” when it started? has it always been there? ect.
*First of all I just found out from this board that this is what I had…I was sooooo releived that I wasn’t just nuts or something. *
I… like Angelica was also a falllen away Catholic and returned after many years (sometimes went to mass on X-mas)…but always felt a bit uncomfortable.
*About three months ago I read the Passion and finally went to confession…I cryed like a baby and could hardly get my words out:o …but "Oh boy"did I feel like the world lifted off my shoulders…I prayed for Jesus to come into my life, I’v never heard him talk to me…but I feel his presence when I attend mass. I really think now that i have a better understanding of how “Jesus suffered for our sins” that this is what triggers the gift of tears for me… sometimes I’m soooo embarrased…espically when I have to blow my nose:p I hope that people think I have a bad cold:rolleyes: *
I think it’s always been there…but has come out more now that i attend mass almost every Sunday.
*I wanted to see the Passion in a theater however I would have cryed buckets…think i will wait for it to come out on DVD.😃 *
God Bless, Kayla
 
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Max:
It seems plenty of people have responded by saying that they too have wept like that during Mass…that’s truly an admirable thing, a “gift” as most of you have put it. But, I have a question…do any of you know when and how exactly this started? When did it begin have more meaning in your life, or have you had it since the beginning?
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Tears come to me when I’m going through a difficult time in my life. The messages of the meaning of suffering and God’s mercy just become so poignant and are really ‘peak experiences’ at Mass. When my family was going through the illness and death of my father, we all took turns grabbing my mom’s kleenex supply! It was such a blessing because it moved me to a new level in my appreciation of the Mass that now lasts past the emotional times.
 
I have often felt tearful during special moments in mass.

Now, for embarassing, my mom passed away in March from ovarian cancer. I held up “wonderfully” and didn’t cry during the mass, burial or memorial service.

A week later I was at the funeral of a friend’s mother. I had never met her mother, but know several of my friend’s children well also. Partway into the homily, our pastor said “…No matter how old they are, mothers always die too soon…” I was halfway back in the church, and started bawling. Trying to hold it in. I was so embarassed, but knew it was funny too. None of the family members were as publically crying as I… :o

Maybe I could get a job as a public mourner.
 
When I cry at Mass it just happens suddenly without warning. I don’t have to be having a bad time - or a good time for that matter. I just “leave” everything that’s around me and then poof I am overwhelmed with the most wonderful feelings that words can’t even begin to describe. This all started when I was in RCIA and attending Mass. That’s one of the big reasons I knew I had found the True Church hahaha (It’s hard to ignore something like that.)
This also happens when I pray the Rosary or any prayers for that matter. I do have terrible dry spells but they always go away. I’m not there for the “warm fuzzies” so when I hit a dry spell I don’t really stress it.

I don’t always cry. Sometimes I just get swept up and I’m gone. One time I was still standing after everyone had sat down. I opened my eyes and turned beet red as I peeped around and saw everyone sitting. Talk about looking like a nerd hahaha! I sat in the back after that. Oi!

I sit in the last row up back but our “church” is really a small auditorium (my parish is too poor to afford a real church so we use an auditorium on campus) and it’s so intimate that I can hear folks squirm in their seats way down in the front row. So any show of emotion is broadcast to all. That’s why I keep myself under wraps. No need to blast the place with sniffling or “looking holy”.

When I attend Mass at a big church I can hide in the back row and open up but in our auditorium I’m elevated above everyone. It’s like, “Hello! Here I am! Look at me!” hahahaha
 
I’m a former linebacker who still looks like one (I’m told). I’m certainly not a wimp, but the same happens to me during the Agnus Dei.

I have an even worse time during the veneration of the cross. I’m uncomfortable going, but I think I would be denying the spirit if I refrained from things which impact me that powerfully. At least that’s what my wife has instructed.

If you weep, it just lets the rest of us feel a little more comfortable.

GOD BLESS YOU!!!

Pax Christi
 
Oh! The veneration of the cross gets me every time even though I steel myself for it and say, “I’m not gonna cry!!” over and over. I’m always convinced I won’t but uh…I do.

Life is never dull…

🙂
 
I tend to bawl at Stations of the Cross for the past three years and at the Veneration as well. Don’t know why, except that apparently all of this is finally sinking in after 40+ years. I consider myself blessed to be moved in such a manner and have taken it as a sign for me to get more involved in being a Catholic, thus my finding this forum and Relevant Radio.

Peace be with all of you who are also moved. It’s a wondeful feeling, isn’t it? (Once you get past the surprise and embarrassment) 😉
 
I had this happen just once. I don’t mean to sound flippant, but it was at the very first Life Teen Mass I ever attended. (I had missed the morning one because of baby’s nap not cooperating.) During the consecration the priest invited all the teens to gather around the altar and I was so shocked. It was a very unexpected outpouring of tears. Not like I usually cry if upset or angry about an everyday problem. This was more like an uncontrollable faucet in comparison. I just had this feeling that this is what the Blessed Virgin must be feeling when she sees all the liturgical abuses happen in the Mass. It was a bit embarrassing, but I mostly kept my head down and covered my face with my hand. I have been emotional and teared up a bit at other times, but never out and out crying like that. Glad to hear I am not alone actually.
 
Well, some of you say it’s embarassing…so I don’t think I’d exactly want the tears, just the ability to be touched by what’s going on! The reason I’m so innattentive at mass could be for a few reasons too…I’d like to blame it on some disability having to do with my attention span, but I’m not sure that’s quite it. Another one is that I don’t have a full understanding of what exactly is going on (meaning that although I “know” what’s happening…I don’t comprehend or realize it as I should). So I could just be taking it all for granted. Or, maybe it’s because I’m just not the type of person who cries. Ever. Probably mostly because I was led to believe that crying under any circumstances was for sissies, so I haven’t cried (even when I felt like it at times) since I was in 5th grade. Heck, I don’t even cry when I’m completely alone, meaning no one else is around me, and I’m feeling at my lowest. But, eh, I’m sure it’s a healthy thing to do…just that it’s not for me.
 
Many times I had this experience, and tried to hide it during mass. The Agnus Dei (especially in Latin, sung in chant) was the strongest moment for it for me, as well. It happened EVERY time I went to mass…for a very long time. It hasn’t happened to me in quite a while. The time in my life when it happened consistantly most powerfully was during a time when I was extremely prayerful (much more than I am now, unfortunately). It also coincided with times when I was seeking forgiveness the most; when I had a heavy heart. It was at these times when I also felt the Real Presence most strongly. Contemplating the Real Presence before communion would bring on huge deluges of tears! I would try to muffle my sniffles. I used to try to remember to stuff my pockets with tissues before going to mass, and struggled to hide it from my husband. Now when it happens, my daughter asks me why I’m crying. Perhaps the distraction of taking 2 children to mass contributes to my lack of focus, which might be why it doesn’t happen so often anymore.
 
Yes,

I am a “weeper” and have to carry kleenex to Mass. I have no idea why I do it and have asked several priests what is happening.

The very first time I started crying was when I walked in on the Divine Mercy Chaplet up at the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa. They were singing the Chaplet in different languages and I didn’t even understand any of the words, but I guess my heart did. It was the Sunday after Easter and I was expecting the place to be deserted. Little did I know. The Shrine was a tourist attraction for me then and I really to this day don’t know why I went that afternoon. I just felt the need to visit a Church and that one was far enough away that I was pretty sure I wouldn’t run into anyone I knew! When it happened, becoming a Catholic wasn’t even on my list of things to do before I die! Praise the Lord He grabbed hold of my heart and gave it a good wringing out! I still cry and that was over ten years ago. :crying:

I am very grateful for all the responses here to this question and the courage of Kayla for asking. I feel much better. I’m not the only one. That is a comfort. When it first was happening I thought there was something terribly wrong with me but I couldn’t help it. Now I know that it is a gift and I’m grateful that Jesus can melt my heart like butter in the August sun whenever He wants. My “worst” times are in Communion. Oi.

Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glories!

Peace and all good,

Thomas2
 
kayla said:
Hello again…some of you have asked about this “Gift of Tears” when it started? has it always been there? ect.
*First of all I just found out from this board that this is what I had…I was sooooo releived that I wasn’t just nuts or something. *
I… like Angelica was also a falllen away Catholic and returned after many years (sometimes went to mass on X-mas)…but always felt a bit uncomfortable.
*About three months ago I read the Passion and finally went to confession…I cryed like a baby and could hardly get my words out:o …but "Oh boy"did I feel like the world lifted off my shoulders…I prayed for Jesus to come into my life, I’v never heard him talk to me…but I feel his presence when I attend mass. I really think now that i have a better understanding of how “Jesus suffered for our sins” that this is what triggers the gift of tears for me… sometimes I’m soooo embarrased…espically when I have to blow my nose:p I hope that people think I have a bad cold:rolleyes: *
I think it’s always been there…but has come out more now that i attend mass almost every Sunday.
*I wanted to see the Passion in a theater however I would have cryed buckets…think i will wait for it to come out on DVD.😃 *
God Bless, Kayla
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Bless you Kayla for having the courage to initate this thread…quick answer is that the movie The Passion of the Christ is due out at the end of August. I cannot wait to purchase a copy. Trust me you and I will both weep buckets…I have seen this movie already and it is truly inspirational. the other movie that I truly love is Jesus of Nazareth. Robert Powell is wonderful in his portrayal of our Lord.

I will confess that when I come to tears at mass is always during the reading of the Passion on Palm Sunday and Good Friday and anytime that the Gospel has a miracle performed by Christ during his public life.

Keep the hankies handy and may the Holy Spirit continue to move you. God Bless.

Carl
 
Hello Kayla,

I hope you are still reading this thread. I’m a little concerned with the fact that you stated that after all these tears, you are impeded from attending Mass every Sunday…“I think it’s always been there…but has come out more now that i attend mass almost every Sunday.” Can I ask what the impediment is?

Peace and all good,

Thomas2
 
I’m a grown man with wife and children and proud to say I’m also an unashamed, unabashed, unrepentant crybaby at Mass.

My wife and I have experienced a powerful conversion experience over the past year - she came into the church this past Easter and I “re-verted” after leaving the faith in my teens. We had been very happy, faithful members of a Lutheran congregation since our wedding and I, especially, really resisted this strange pull we were both feeling toward the Catholic faith.

After months of almost obsessive research and study, trying to figure it all out with my head - I went to Mass. Game over!! All of my theology and bible study, coupled with the “Catholic DNA” from my childhood came together in one moment and I was completely overwhelmed! Now, the more I study, pray and come to understand the wonderful mystery of the Mass the more moved I am. Coincidently, the Agnus Dei also gets me every time - I still haven’t been able to sing it through without choking up.

I guess I’m old enough, or comfortable enough in my own skin by now to not really care if anyone sees me or stares. (although I am quiet) My kids think I’m weird, but what else is new?

My biggest fear is that it will stop. I’ve never felt this spirit-filled in my life and my love for Jesus and His church is growing daily. I hope and pray that His grace will continue to fill me and change my heart.

The Kleenex are on me everybody!
 
<<<The Kleenex are on me everybody!>>>

Thank you so much for sharing your story! What an inspiration. It is especially good to hear from one of the guys…
 
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Max:
It seems plenty of people have responded by saying that they too have wept like that during Mass…that’s truly an admirable thing, a “gift” as most of you have put it. But, I have a question…do any of you know when and how exactly this started? When did it begin have more meaning in your life, or have you had it since the beginning?

.
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I honestly don’t know when my weeping at Mass started. I’ve been a weeper as long as I can remember as many times the music just seeps into my heart and the words just touch something inside me that the tears tart flowing. Once I even started crying during the homily.

Sometimes, it gets really embarrassing for me as I’m in the choir, and something just touches me and the tears start flowing.

Don’t fret too much about the tears. And don’t give up going to Mass. There was a period in my life where I was just going to church and basically being a “bump” on the log. And that lasted for several years. You are where God wants you to be, surrounded by those who will support you spiritually and pray with you.

Peace
 
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