Should I miss Mass in my situation?

[Amy1965]

I’m currently receiving chemo treatments & at this time my white blood cells are extremely low to fight possible infections.

My oncologist recommend me staying home until the end of the weekend (including working at home instead) to minimize the risk of infection. They gave me masks to wear if I have to be in public.

I’m torn to what I should do & what my obligations are to Sunday Mass. I would like to go, but I fear vanity is the main reason for wanting to stay home - I don’t want to look foolish wearing a mask - but I also don’t know truly if the mask is going to fully prevent me from getting an infection - so I’m a little fearful of that.

I go to daily mass virtually everyday & love receiving the eucharist and would miss it, but I’m afraid my vanity is winning.

I would like your guidance and explain my obligations are to attending Sunday mass, given my set of circumstances.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear friend,

I don’t want to alarm you, but your illness is far too serious a matter to be worrying about vanity. Our blessed Lord risked looking highly unsightly as He shed His blood for us. It should be an honor to risk looking unsightly for Him. Besides, I have seen many people wearing masks for various legitimate reasons. I have never considered them to be unsightly. But I would be concerned regarding your health. You might check with your doctor to make sure. If he assures you that it is not a threat to you health, then choose the Lord over vanity as He He chose you. You are in our prayers.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.