Mass cancellations, a suggestion

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McDale721

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There are so many threads on here about public mass cancellations (and I’m sorry to create another), how everyone is upset that public mass is cancelled and they can’t receive the Eucharist, and where can you go to find a mass etc. I have a suggestion for all those indignant about this and must have mass.

Sit in solidarity with those of us who are suffering because we are old, or ill or at risk and cannot attend. Sit in solidarity with the ex-Muslim convert who can only attend mass in Egypt under pain of death. Sit in solidarity with those in the Amazon who don’t have easy access to the mass and the sacraments. We are a timeless religion and the mass is timeless; sit in solidarity with those throughout time who for whatever reason could not attend mass or have access to the sacraments. Please stop complaining and embrace our suffering.
 
I don’t think people are complaining as much as they are in mourning and shocked. For those of us that have gone years, decades in my case, to daily Mass we hardly know how to structure a day without it. It is unprecedented for many of us. Your suggestions are good, but a period of mourning is certainly to be expected from those who hold the Eucharist as the center of their lives. It is indeed a great suffering to be without it. Perhaps we can strive in this time to be really appreciative of what we have and vow never to take access to the Eucharist for granted.
 
While the gist of your suggestion is good, the tone in which you have framed it sounds like you yourself are indignant at having to read threads from people who are disturbed that they do not have Mass or the Eucharist during this difficult time.

I would suggest that you yourself also try to be kind to others who are mourning the loss of their Mass in a world that constantly tells people “you don’t need to go to church to pray, you can do that at home”.
I don’t see how telling people to “please stop complaining” is helpful here.

In addition to that, CAF is a Catholic forum and one of the only safe places where people are able to vent about not having Mass. I can just imagine the backlash if someone posted on, say, Twitter or Facebook about being unable to attend Mass. Just let people vent.
 
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We were late to the show: public Masses were just halted in my archdiocese about two hours ago, effective immediately. I have to say it hit like a gut punch, like hearing someone close to you died. I’m only explaining the emotional reaction. Of course God is still with us, never changing. I intend to use Daily Mass time at Adoration, which still continues.
 
Remember, nearly every priest is saying private masses. There is still mass being said from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, from the four corners of the earth!

Priests are busier than ever, making ways to hear confession behind the screen or at a distance. They are setting up tech to stream masses (I work in a parish, we are busier right now than the run up to Christmas and Easter combined!!)

Jesus is Lord, God loves us, we are a joyful people!
 
This is a real Lenten sacrifice for some. It doesn’t make much difference to me personally because I know Mass will continue being said, and the laity will return after a relatively short period of time.
 
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Here’s another suggestion. This is a great time for those who have never explored the Liturgy of the Hours, to do so.

It is a way to participate, privately, in the public liturgy of the Church and is highly encouraged for the laity. So you maintain your connection, liturgically, to the Body of Christ.

While it may seem daunting to learn, and it can be a challenge when prayed from a book, there are now a few excellent online resources such as iBreviary that lay it all out for you in proper order. Maybe start with Lauds, Vespers and Compline.

In addition at the time you normally go to Sunday Mass (or even weekday Mass), read and meditate or do lectio divina on the day’s readings. I also plan to chant at least a part of the Propers of the Mass as well, the parts that bracket the readings (introit, gradual, tract).

It isn’t the Eucharist by any stretch, but it isn’t nothing either.
 
Amen! People who are upset that you cannot receive the Eucharist, give your “sufferings” up to Christ.

Also: keep in mind that only 100 years ago in the United States, there were still missions that only received a priest to pray the mass once a month.

God Bless
 
I totally understand those who are sad and in mourning, I get that. I am too, and no issues with expressing that. But complaining is not the Catholic way.
 
But complaining is not the Catholic way.
I’m going to get burned for saying this, but – some people need to re-read the book of Exodus (actually, for some, maybe most, that should be “read it for the first time”) and note carefully what happened to the Israelites because of their constant complaining when they weren’t getting things like they were used to getting them.

Flame on!

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McDale721:
But complaining is not the Catholic way.
I’m going to get burned for saying this, but – some people need to re-read the book of Exodus (actually, for some, maybe most, that should be “read it for the first time”) and note carefully what happened to the Israelites because of their constant complaining when they weren’t getting things like they were used to getting them.

Flame on!
The only “flame” I am sending out is a huge flame of agreement!

🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
 
Pray that you and those in need may receive the Sacraments as soon as possible.

Also, conform to God’s Will.
 
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