A great deal of the things recently discussed here have been presented in terms of a false dichotomy between loving reverence for God within the sacred time and space of the Mass, and love of neighbor. In reality, there is no such distinction. We are well able to, and must, do both. Some recent examples:
Applauding musucians: Anyone who wants to thank a musician for using his or her gift in the Mass can do so face to face, before or after Mass. In fact, it would be downright disingenuine of anyone to maintain that clapping from 300 feet is a more sincere expression of gratitude. At any rate, the point is, one can express their gratitude without creating an environment that many find objectionable, or is disruptive to prayer. We can do both.
Chatting before the Mass as others are praying: Letting your friends know you love them by asking about their medical problems and their kids can be done outside the worship space. Using âloveâ as a blanket excuse for disturbing the tranquility of those praying in a sacred place is ludicrous. The chatters have just as much obligation to show courtesy to those praying as they do to anyone else. Again, we can do both.
Talking and yucking it up the moment the final song ends: The same thing applies. Take it outside. You can laugh with your friends, and tell 'em you love 'em all you want, all without turning the sacred space where the Mass just ended into a picnic atmosphere. Even those who canât understand how it is irreverent should be able understand how it is rude behavior when others are praying. The âloveâ argument is flat out childish.
The one thing all of these, and other topics Iâve not mentioned, have in common is that for some, their focus is far too tilted in favor of âme and my neighbors;â itâs way lopsided in emphasis on fellowship and community. Without Christ who is uniquely present in the Mass and the sacred time a space surrounding it, the communal things, although good, cannot exist.
Is it too much to ask that our focus be consistantly tilted toward Him for that one brief period of time, in that one small physical space, just one day a week? (most weeks for most people) To answer the OP, small things that overemphasize community in that very limited time and space are not truly small. Over time they have the cumulative effect of turning the Heavenly gift of the Mass into little more than a gathering of, for, and by the people; and that is a rather big thing.
Does it really matter if we are holding hands, not holding hands, singing contemporary praise songs or traditional hymns, kneeling too much or too little? As long as we are not intentionally being disrespectful and as long as we are doing our best to do as Jesus would want us to do then we are good with God. I really think some people here come across as overly pious and self-righteous and it is a real shame. In fact, posts like these just clutter the forums. We are told not to worry about tomorrow because tomorrow will take care of itself. Think about how God feeds the sparrows. We have no need to worry about the little things. Relax and enjoy being in the grace of God
- which I cannot seem to be able to do at this time.
