I guess I disagree with the comparison. Co workers are not your brothers and sisters in Christ sharing in his glory with you. I think it’s apples and oranges.You know, if someone tried this where I work, they’d be charged with sexual harrassment.
Honestly, in that scenario, I’d offer the same advice. I just sincerely doubt it was sexual on her part.It’s interesting that the OP, a man, is getting so many responses to “ignore it” or “offer it up” or “assume the best of Christian intentions”, etc.
Let me throw a little lighter fluid into the thread & ask, What if a man did the same to me, a woman, at Mass?
I think that this is a natural talent for most men, isn’t it?
So you’re suggesting that keeping one’s hands to oneself implies misanthropy?
Well, I wasn’t creeped out, but it was a bit of a surprise since it was definitely unexpected and inappropriate.
How does placing one’s hand on someone’s back increase the glorification of God?
I wasn’t being exorcised! For survivors of sexual and other assaults, an “unknown hand” can send someone right out of their skin.
Better than women who hold it in and look around to see if anyone noticed…I think that this is a natural talent for most men, isn’t it?
No, I’m suggesting that not keeping it to oneself in a Christian setting most certainly does not imply sexual assault. It implies an ideal of Christian love.
Unexpected, perhaps, and inappropriate, yes, but only because you know that holding hands during Mass isn’t canon. How do you think she saw you? Lonely, in solitude, while the rest of the Church was joined together in prayer. In that context, do you think it was inappropriate in her eyes? I should say not!
That’s kind of a narrowminded way of looking at the situation.
No, I’m suggesting that not keeping it to oneself in a Christian setting most certainly does not imply sexual assault. It implies an ideal of Christian love.
Unexpected, perhaps, and inappropriate, yes, but only because you know that holding hands during Mass isn’t canon. How do you think she saw you? Lonely, in solitude, while the rest of the Church was joined together in prayer. In that context, do you think it was inappropriate in her eyes? I should say not!
Like I said - she saw you outside the chain of the parish community. So she joined you into it. Out of love. How does that not glorify God?
Hi,
I think it is more important to be careful, than worry about hurting someone’s feelings when they are doing something wrong. It is very wrong to touch someone, especially when they will be taken by surprise—I sometimes shriek very loud when startled.
)That’s not what I believe, but the belief among most Catholics who don’t patrol CAF is that it is perfectly normal to hold hands during the Our Father. This woman saw the OP as isolated, and sought to join him with the rest of the parish.
I’ve been reading these posts on this thread…and although I don’t hold hands…I do believe what you stated to be the best …very true.
I don’t think that’s what this particular poster is saying SHE, personally, believes. I think she’s trying to offer up an explanation as to what this woman in church believes, which is much more relevant. If the woman in church believes in the above, her motives were not only innocent, but also a beautiful gesture!
Again, if it makes someone very uncomfortable, I still would approach the person doing the touching in a kind and loving way, rather than flinching as if a bug has landed to prove a point (which is what I think the poster was suggesting when he/she said):