Glory to Jesus Christ!
Hello Ritchie,
… Where we go now, we feel welcome, the people are friendly, and the pastor gives awesome sermons. When we leave church, people are happy, and they talk, and everyone feels good about church.
The church I belong to can be described in just the way you describe it here, and the Divine Liturgy is glorious (However, you might see it as weird, I understand that no exposure to it would make it seem strange to you). I am sure that you would find many Catholic Masses to be equally as friendly and joyful…even glorious…especially with Easter season in sight. Well worth another look.
Church is also the place where we can bring our burdens and lay them down. We are only human after all. We bring our wounds to the Great Physician, perhaps you sensed that in your mother and others around you.
But I agree the worship service should be a friendly wholesome experience. One should always feel that they were glad to have come and want more of it. And we should be encompassed in a community that cares more for each other altogether, than each one cares for himself.
So, were Catholics more grumpy or less grumpy when mass was in latin? Seems like they would have been even more grumpy if they didn’t know what was happening and couldn’t participate.
thanks, Richie
Grumpy really has nothing to do with it.
You may be mistaking a sense of the solemn for grumpiness. The whole idea here is worship of the Divine God, our number one job here. Catholics know what they are doing in the Mass and why.
Catholics are very aware of the necessity to worship their Divine Creator. These are the words I remember from my catechism training as a kid (I paraphrase):
Who is God?
- God is the Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things.
- God is a spirit infinitely perfect.
- God had no beginning; He always was and He always will be.
- God is everywhere.
- God knows all things, even our most secret thoughts, words, and actions.
- God can do all things, and nothing is impossible to Him.
- God is all just, all holy and all merciful.
Why did God make you?
- God made me to know Him…
- God made me to love Him, and…
- God made me to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him forever in the next.
This does not really sound like grumpy religion to me, it is rather the anticipation of wonderful things. Sometimes we forget that it’s not about us really, it’s ultimately about God.
We need to participate with God, we need to cooperate with His intent to have us near Him always. Part of that process requires our involvement in worship. Our worship should be as dignified and glorious as we as a community can possibly present through love of Him.
Living through the sad times is rough. I am sorry about your bad memories and experiences, and I pray for your healing. Please don’t blame the church for our individual failings. Please pray for us as we pray for you.
*O Lord our God, accept this fervent prayer from Your servants and have mercy on us according to the multitude of Your mercy
(Psalm 51:1), and bestow Your compassion upon us and upon all Your people who await the abundant mercies that come from You.
(Nehemiah 13:22).
Code:
For You are a merciful God Who loves mankind and we give glory to You, to the +Father and to the +Son and to the +Holy Spirit, always now and ever and forever.
Peace and all good things,*
Michael*