From time to time, it’s good to remind ourselves why we fell in love in the first place. Of course, couples need to do that especially when things feel a bit dry. But, as Catholics, we need to do it as well. Speaking personally, I could point to many reasons why I fell in love with the Mass. I learned about the Bible and the life of Jesus. Singing with others, including my mother who was a church organist and cantor was inspiring. But perhaps the deepest reason was that going to Mass was where I adored God Himself. So here’s a note from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, (2097]
“To adore God is to acknowledge, in respect and absolute submission, the nothingness of the creature, who would not exist but for God. To adore God is to praise and exalt him and to humble oneself, as Mary did in the Magnificat, confessing with gratitude that he has done great things and holy is his name. The worship of the one God sets man free from turning in on himself, from the slavery of sin and the idolatry of the world.”
So, going to Mass saves us from turning in on ourselves. But wait. Isn’t it good to turn in on yourself in the sense that we need time for ourselves. Life’s burdens and challenges are relentless and without a little time “for ourselves” we can go crazy. Ask any young mother of 3 small children or a worker who has to work twice as hard for the same pay. The catechism isn’t saying we don’t need quiet time or time for ourselves. We do. But “turning in on self” often can be a turning away from others. It’s like saying that the needs, concerns and troubles of others are none of our business. As that great nihilist, Frederick Nietzsche said “hell is other people”. Going to Mass then should have the double effect of repairing our own inner wounds and troubles as well as helping us see the goodness and the needs of others. This is why St. Thomas Aquinas said, “The greatest of all sins against God seems to be for a man to give God’s honor to a creature.”
The Catholic philosopher Dietrich von Hildebrand, referred to by Pope Pius XII as “the 20th century Doctor of the Church” said “the entire Mass is pervaded with this reverence before the “majesty of God”. The Mass trains us to develop a clear consciousness of God’s absolute dominion over us, and the acknowledgment that we receive all from Him.” It is found in beautiful words of the old prayers at the foot of the altar, “I will go into the altar of God, unto God, who gives joy to my youth.” I encourage you to think about all this, especially as we approach the altar to receive Our Lord in Holy Communion. Please don’t stone the messenger, but in some folks, reverence is lacking in our church’s Communion lines. There should be great reverence in our thoughts, our posture and in our attire.