Sunday, November 22, 2009

A weird thing happened today...

... at Mass.

Well several weird things. [Note: I have never mentioned exactly where I go to Mass because I don't think it is fair to drag people into a blog unless they necessarily must be... and I haven't found that reason so far.]

The weirdest part was as the priest was ending a pretty good homily he asked us to please stand up; and my heart sank. He then asked us to give a round of Applause to Christ for being our King. I couldn't stand. I didn't clap. I thought it was just such a self-indulgent thing. I don't think the priest meant it to be such, it just ended up that way.

I am not a big believer in applause in Mass, it seems inappropriate and disruptive. [I dont mean to sound like a fuddy-duddy, but how does it add to the Mystery of Mass?] I think that applause celebrates the accomplishment of man, and the Mass is the accomplishment of God. It is a sacrifice, a once-for-all sacrifice that deserves not applause but bended knee and reverence.

Maybe I am being a little harsh... but could you imagine asking for applause during a Tridentine Mass in some beautiful Gothic Cathedral?

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