Congratulations to our friend, Will, who is being ordained today! What a wonderful accomplishment... We can't think of a more qualified, friendly, and approachable pastor. We're so proud of you, Will!! Cheers to future years of serving military men and women and inspiring their hearts for the Lord. How great...
On other spiritual fronts, the priest this morning brought down the "boo-yah" in church, so much so that I had to write about it. GG and I loved it. How refreshing it was to reminded of bad habits festering within weekly Masses. He pointed out the following issues:
1) Being on time--Can't we be on time for one event of the week? Why are we so lazy about punctuality? God is present, so why aren't we? GG and I have always struggled with this. In fact, most of our marital arguments have occurred on the way to church due to lateness. Why are we perpetually struggling with this? GG says, and I agree, "It's all about discipline." Yes, he's right about one thing. :)
2) Respecting the sanctuary as a holy, meditative place--Shouldn't we be sitting and readying ourselves for the Mass and the partaking of Christ? This is of utmost importance! When others are socializing, it impedes one's ability to truly be present for the Mass. Apparently, several Sundays ago the bell choir performed an opening number before while the rest of the congregation carried on their conversations. The priest was appalled.
3) Turning off cell phones and pagers--This goes along with #2. The priest remembered a man talking on his cell phone while going up to receive the Eucharist! Are you kidding me? R-E-S-P-E-C-T. That's what the Creator of the Universe wants. It's all about respect for the place where Christ will be present. Can you imagine how we'd feel if Christ was visibly present at the altar? I can see myself falling down before Him in reverence and tears. It would be overwhelming and amazing. Shouldn't that be our response every Sunday in partaking of the Eucharist? It's essentially the same thing!
4) Staying for the duration of the service--The Mass continues through the benediction and last song and doesn't end before. Can't we offer up 45min to an hour once in the week for our Lord? Are there really more important things to accomplish? I'm not sure about your world, but definitely not in Gasperini-Ville.
Our lives are uneventful in comparison to Christ's sacrifice. He deserves all of us and all of our attention for all of the Mass. Can't we at least give Him that?
Hope you are as challenged by this as we were. God bless you on this Lord's day.
2 comments:
yo b - thought i'd leave a comment, boost your numbers (and self-esteem). i'm glad to see fr. lewis laid down the law. i was making that same point to my parents last week onthe way to the beach, and they were giving me all sorts of grief. i'd appreciate it if you'd remind them of said discussion. anyways, hope all is well back on the home front.
Thanks "bro". I will do my best to reiterate the points to your parents. Maybe they'll be more receptive listening to me bc they're trying to be polite! :) Thanks for logging in, commenting, and encouraging my self-esteem all at once--you know I love it. Hey, when are you going to return for all your stuff? Do you have anything to wear?
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