Technique of "Looking Down?"

[Matthaeus]

I practice the technique of “looking down” at my parish during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and I’m curious if others do the same? What I mean by “looking down” is that I close my eyes and point them as if I was looking on the tops of my shoes.

I find myself doing this at especially abusive times during the Mass such as when EMsHC distribute the Precious Blood from a flagon to individual chalices, when the stampede of EMsHC clump-up onto the sanctuary or when the head EMHC makes 15 trips across the sanctuary just prior to the beginning of Mass to “check” on things.

I also find myself closing my eyes and entering into prayer after Holy Communion until I hear the tabernacle door shut – not when the celebrant (or “captain” EMHC) motions us to sit.

It even works well before Mass when the coffee klatch enters the church to gab before Mass.

Does anyone else here employ this technique? It’s sure wonderful for the blood pressure, and for focusing on the Mass, and not the horrible abuses wrought by abusive individuals…

 

[Micki]

I do this many, many times. Sometimes I envision my priest raising the body and blood of Christ well over his head then genuflecting most reverently. Obviously, he does neither of these. He kepts the host and chalice at his chest level and then only bows after concecrating the bread and the wine. During this time though, I am frequently praying for him.

Micki

 

[Elizabeth_B]

I have done this many times. I also take the time to pray for the priest and/or the others who are consciously or unconsciously violating norms. I ask for God to shower His graces on these individuals so they may see the incredible awesomeness of our Mass. Since it is now in His hands, I no longer have to worry about it.

Since I started doing this, I have felt an overwhelming peace during Mass and I have also noticed that many of the more obvious abuses have stopped.

 

[Jeremy]

I’m just wondering, are any of you who do this worried that you are distancing yourself from the service? Since Mass is supposed to be communal worship then it seems like this could be a danger.

 

[Kevmel]

How about if the priest motions for everyone to sit for the Gloria and opening prayer? Would you close your eyes and remain standing? I’ve never tried that. I sat down with everyone else and muttered under my breath, not very holy of me. At least I saw the priest cringe as he motioned for everyone to sit down so I know he at least has a working conscience, just trouble listening to it.

 

[Micki]

Jeremy:

I’m just wondering, are any of you who do this worried that you are distancing yourself from the service? Since Mass is supposed to be communal worship then it seems like this could be a danger.

I do this primarily during the concecration where I do not feel I need to be looking at the priest to be participating.

Micki

 

[Matthaeus]

Jeremy:

I’m just wondering, are any of you who do this worried that you are distancing yourself from the service? Since Mass is supposed to be communal worship then it seems like this could be a danger.

Excellent point. While the Mass is never a “service” (it’s a sacrifice), I can see how I might be missing some aspects of the celebration.

Sure beats getting upset during the Mass over abuses, however.

 

[Matthaeus]

Kevmel:

How about if the priest motions for everyone to sit for the Gloria and opening prayer? Would you close your eyes and remain standing? I’ve never tried that. I sat down with everyone else and muttered under my breath, not very holy of me. At least I saw the priest cringe as he motioned for everyone to sit down so I know he at least has a working conscience, just trouble listening to it.

Good question. I might well remain standing…

I do recall being at a Mass celebrated by my bishop and I was kneeling with my head down after receiving Communion. Some confused sister/nun pulled (hard) on my shirt in an attempt to get me to stand. I was so startled I almost decked her.

I’m certain she’ll never try it again with others, thanks be to God…

 

[Jeremy]

While the Mass is never a “service” (it’s a sacrifice)

Sorry, just my Protestant background peeking through