Yesterday, we attended the anticipated mass in the church near our house. I always want to go to church early... and early we were that there were still few people who are inside.
My kids and I finally settled on one of the long chairs... and quietly waited for the mass to start. While waiting, I can't help but notice a lot of things.
Some people were talking inside, as if they were seated in a park bench... unmindful that they are in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.
On the opposite side, I noticed two men attending the mass in shorts! No matter that they were long ones, six-pockets, signature and all, they're still short pants are definitely not the proper attire to wear in attendance to the Holy Eucharist.
A little farther, and almost near the window, what I saw even bothered me... two lovebirds whispering to each other and giggling... with occasional PDA, and yes, they were a young a couple.
Finally, the priest approached the altar and the celebration started. As if on cue, while we were singing the opening hymn, people started coming inside the church, and I said to myself "Why do these people want to be late for the mass?"
The celebration proceeded, although thoughts of the things I've seen never really left my consciousness... not that I believe what they were doing was wrong, but that I felt I have committed a sin by going to church... I judged people.
Does that mean that I should stop going to mass altogether to avoid committing these sins? That only proves the devil have won.
I would definitely continue going to church... and pray even harder that I would avoid judging people and remember that the celebration is a communion of people who gather together to praise, worship and thanks God.
Grade 10 Completer
3 years ago