Ok, so Steph is giving me a hard time about posting again-so here we go.
Peggy, who obviously paid attention in religion class at IWA-(should teach it these days) brings up resting the cares at the altar for help in resolving (or accepting)them. Interestingly, there was a family of 6 next to me at Mass and the oldest son was struggling with the younger brothers not behaving (I am sure that he was concerned for his spiritual well-being) but it dawned on me that sacrifice he (and I) was making with the distraction caused by the 2 boys was only there as a small cross to bear while I concentrated on Mass and my purpose for being there.
So here is my question today...
How do I take it all in?
I am distracted not only by the 2 young boys, or McKenna when she goes with me, but also by the opera singer during the responsorial psalm. What is for show, and what is REAL?
I don't want to feel like I am going to work at Mass, but I don't want to go through the motions either...Is this blog a continuation of Mass and His presence in my life (and therefore yours as well)?
Any suggested topics?
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"The How-To Book of the Mass" by Michael Dubruiel. Lots of suggestions regarding what you are asking under the guise of "opportunities for spiritual growth". This book goes into detail for why we do alot of what we do during the Mass. Its hard to go through the motions when you understand the significance behind every part of it. The liturgy is very rich in tradition. Nothing is just thrown in for kicks.
ReplyDeleteWhen you find yourself distracted or perhaps judging someone (ie,the music director or whoever) turn it into prayer...either for you or that person. Another way to keep the Mass from being business as usual is to arrive early. Focus on why you are there. Pray and get in the right mindset. We used to do this as kids, going to church on Sundays or at school. We always put our "church face" on. Now, it seems I just race in at the last possible minute, aim for strategic placement of children, and start making my to-do list for the next day. I've allowed a lot of the distractions/influences of the outside world to filter in to too many aspects of my life, mass especially.
That is why this blog is such a good idea. If I am challenged to write/think on an intellectual level of things in an attempt to help or even seek guidance, it keeps the Presence more real throught out the week. A continuous re-evaluation of life/beliefs/etc. is always a good thing. The exchange in the comments make me process not only my thoughts, but those of others as well. So throughout the day I find myself thinking more and more about if I agree or disagree, rather than if Brad and Angelina are adopting again.
The Mass is real. Jesus' presence in the Eucharist is real. Open your heart and mind to
it all. Let go of the criticisms and judgements. Then you'll be able to take it all in.
First, have you all noticed that Stephanie is so busy she can only sign in with a letter ... it started out as Stephanie, then Steph, now it is simpy S...but I digress.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right...Confession time...McKenna asked me why we left after communion in stead of waiting for everyone else to leave...needless to say there is not a good answer for this and not one to lie I changed the subject...as you said "S" it seems like Mass has become a todo list item, not something I want to do...but I do want to go. As Msgr. Shirley said-once cuz you have to and once cuz you want to...I want to go. And I enjoy daily mass more than Sunday. Why can't daily mass be outside the work day?
Intelectually this blog has afforded me the opportunity to examine my own reasons for this or that, as I ask for yours. I love that S has posted about a book (even though I have 3 Scott Hahn books on my nightstand) which seems to be great a resource about Mass.
So many questions...so little webspace...
OK---a little off topic...
ReplyDeleteThe Kindle 2 is out or will be on Feb 24th...readers everywhere...delight...a book on the go...Are the Hahn books available on the Kindle?
Amazon Kindle...Steph are you gonna get one?
I agree that there are certainly a lot of distractions at Sunday Mass - people walking in late, children fidgeting, others talking louder than the appropriate “whisper”, the choir “performing”. It’s very difficult to concentrate on Mass during Mass. It’s equally difficult to pray quietly before or after Mass because the choir is practicing and others are visiting in the church proper, etc. (I personally think more priests should preach on the proper conduct (and attire) before, during and after Mass.) But here’s the thing - we are there for the celebration of the Mass. The opera singer using his/her voice to praise God is a good thing and Scripture does direct us to praise God in that manner. As for the children being children - that can be distracting; but Jesus loved the children (Mark 10:13-16). Besides, that could be a learning opportunity for McKenna as to what not to do. She’s a sponge right now - take advantage of every opportunity to talk to her about Mass or any good thing - she may try to tune you out later on.
ReplyDeleteSteph makes a good point about the Mass itself being full of symbolism and tradition. Knowing more or refreshing your memory about the format could help you focus and make it much more meaningful for you. (Check out The Lamb’s Supper by Scott Hahn - that will make you think!)
Joel, I have that book if you want to borrow it.
ReplyDeleteI think the reason we all like daily vs Sunday Mass, is that is much more intimate. There are fewer people, it seems more serene and even sacred in some way. Plus you are surrounded by a group of people that WANT IT. I don't know how to phrase this, but its as if the intensity/strength of their prayer is tangible.