Poverty...Silence...Contemplation

[yankees6767]

Father Phillipe (founder of Community of St. John) talks a lot about poverty and silence in his book “Wherever He Goes.” There is something about things of this world that simply distract us from the truth. He talks about John the Baptist and how he was able to receive the Holy Spirit in such a powerful way because he was in true poverty, or as Scripture tells us, in a desert.
The greatest joy I have ever experienced is when I am fully able to silence my mind and be away from distractions of this world, and be totally in the presence of God. I think this contemplative approach might help people recognize and be attracted to God’s Love for us. By no means am I trying to judge my local parish, but sometimes I feel like Mass is seen as a social gathering. Which it is, but it is so much more than that. I wish Mass could be a little more contemplative at some parishes (especially daily Mass). Silence and poverty are probably the best way for us to come to know the unity we live with Christ. Everything else seems to just be a distraction from the truth. Adoration (Holy Hour) is one of the best ways for us to silence ourselves and be in the Lord’s presence (both physically and mentally). I wish there was some way for parishes to emphasize the importance of such contemplation. I understand that the Catholic Church as a whole does emphasize these points, but I feel like we are scared to do it at local parishes with fear of driving people away, therefore, we make Mass as quick and enjoyable as possible.
People love truth, we are driven by truth. There must be a way to present this truth to the general public.

Any thoughts?

 

[the_phoenix]

For the past two weeks I’ve attended the Latin Mass downtown and consider that parish my secondary parish. If you have the Latin Mass available in your diocese, I would recommend it to you as perhaps helping you find what you seek.

Now that said, my official home parish offers a reverent English-language Mass which is very good.

There are times when it can be a good thing to stay at your parish and work for change from within. At other times it’s worth it to find a new parish. Best thing to do is pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance.

 

[mariafransisca3]

I’m glad you made this thread.

I also have a hard time contemplating God in mass, which I long for.

The traditional (Tridentine) Mass, was used to be quiet and contemplative, and it used to be that for 1900 years, befre it was changed in the second vatican council by Pope Paul VI to Mass of Paul VI or the new mass, in vernacular language or mother tongue.

Here if you want to look at the Tridentine Mass, with Gregorian chants. It is very sacred, and in Latin
youtube.com/watch?v=enWiFcsBqIE

The tridentine mass was conducted in Latin throughout the world.

You can see in youtube:
youtube.com/results?search_query=tridentine+mass&aq=f

Tridentine mass in latin throughout europe and the us.

I’m glad I’m not alone

 

[odile53]

Actually, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is where I spend most of my contemplative (probably closer to meditative) time. Mass, even the Tridentine Mass, is too “active” for me, even though I love the Mass and frequently attend on weekdays as well as Sunday.