Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Have we lost reverence in Church these Days? How can we recover it?
Archdiocese of Washington ^ | 7/17/2013 | Msgr. Charles Pope

Posted on 07/18/2013 3:18:07 AM PDT by markomalley

In the first reading this morning at Mass there was the familiar story of Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush on Mount Horeb. Approaching the Theophany, and thus the presence of God Moses received the following instruction:

Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. I am the God of your father,” he continued, “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob. (Ex 3:4-5)

 And here we see an ancient form of reverence. It is interesting that, to my knowledge, Jews no longer use this sign of reverence. But Muslims still do. I remember being outside the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and seeing hundred of pairs of shoes lined up on the patio outside. A Muslim would not think to enter the Mosque without first removing his shoes.

The Jews however are very strict in insisting that men, Jewish or not should not go before the Western Wall or pray with heads uncovered, and there are men nearby, at the Wall who enforce the rule strictly and provide carboard-like yarmulkes for men who did not bring one or some other head covering.

Here in America, the thought of taking off ones shoes or being in Church without shoes would be thought of as highly irreverent! And for a man to go into a Church without removing his hat is often scolded by an usher. It would also seem that the Gentile world had this norm since St Paul, though himself a Jew, wrote Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head…A man ought not to cover his head, (1 Cor 11:4,7). He further indicates in the same place that a woman ought to cover her head.

And thus we see that culture has influence on signs of reverence and, while there have been different forms of it here and there, some equivalent of “Remove the sandals from your feet…” has been observed. Until now.

Until now?  Yes, it would seem that there is really no observable and/or agreed upon way in our modern American culture that we “take off our sandals” and show some sort of reverence and acknowledgemnt that we are on holy ground, when we come before the Lord in our parish churches.

It is not just that women have shed veils (sadly I would opine – more on that here and here). But beyond that, almost no one dresses in any special way for Church these days. “Extreme casual” would seem to be the norm of the day, to look in most parishes. Most people don’t even think to change their clothes for church, there is a “go as you are” mentality. Further, other signs of entering the Church such as sacred silence, and genuflecting are increasingly absent.

It was not always this way. Even in my own short life I remember when going to Mass on Sunday was a formal affair, at least before 1970. As a young boy and teenager I had special Sunday shoes, hard black ones, and would not dream of going to church in jeans or a t-shirt. We were expected to wear pressed trousers, a button down shirt and tie, along with a jacket in the cooler months. The ladies all wore dresses and veils. (See picture of a youth Mass from 1968 above right). Church was a special place, Mass was a sacred occasion. On entering Church we were expected to maintain a sacred silence, and, upon entering, to bless ourselves with Holy Water and genuflect on entering our pew. Silent prayer was expected of one prior to Mass.

These were ways we “removed our sandals” and acknowledged we were on holy ground and before the Presence of the Lord.

Today this seems all but gone. A few “old folks” keep the traditions, and, interestingly, some younger twenty-somes as well! But for the vast majority of Catholics today, at least here in America, there is little visible or tangible equivalent of removing the sandals from our feet.

I will not even argue that ALL the old traditions should return, (even though I would like that). But at least we ought to recover SOME way of signifiying that we are on holy ground and before the presence of the Holy One of Israel, the Lord of glory.

I am aware that I will get some who say all this “stuffiness” will “turn people off.” But of course Mass isn’t just about pleasing people, it is about adoring the Lord who is worthy of our praise and our reverence. I am also aware that some will take the critique I offer here further than I personally think we need to go.

All that is fine. Where exactly to reset the line is debatable, but the bottom line seems to be that there ought to be some culturally appropriate that we fulfill the admonition of God to “Remove your sandals for the ground on which you stand is holy, I am the God of your fathers.”

How say you? Perhaps we can together start a trend (old) trend.


TOPICS: Catholic
KEYWORDS: catholic; msgrcharlespope; prayer; reverence
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-67 next last
To: markomalley

Easy solution. Mandate that all WalMarts be closed on Sundays. That way people couldn’t dress in same clothes for church as they plan on wearing when they stop at walmart on the way home. :)


21 posted on 07/18/2013 6:17:39 AM PDT by kjam22 (my newest music video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7gNI9bWO3s)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: markomalley

Well said, except for one small point. Why does he refer to the death cult of mohammedanism as if it is a legitimate religion?

I have belonged to my current parish for about 8 years, and I have always been appalled at the din that occurs before Mass. People greet one another and chat away as if they are at a ball game. Our pastor — the only priest we have — came up with a brilliant solution about 2 years ago. About 5 minutes before Mass begins, someone makes an announcement that invites all to enter into the “sacred silence”. It works. But I sure wish people would get the message and enter the church with reverence.

I am also puzzled by the way some of them use the occasion of returning from receiving the Eucharist as a time to greet people in the pews. What’s up with that?

These offenders, BTW, are largely Boomers — like me.


22 posted on 07/18/2013 6:25:10 AM PDT by Bigg Red (Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved! -Ps80)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: markomalley

I go to a non-denominational Bible church that is largely free of symbolic acts other than those taught in the new testament such as Communion, Baptism, etc.

A conscious decision was made to make our church less “scary” to non-believers so that we could reach them with the gospel. We are still very strong in our doctrine but the worship service is now about 60% music and 35% sermon.

In our lobby, we offer coffee, lemonade, water and donut holes. So it is not uncommon for adults to wander into the auditorium in casual clothes after the live musicians are already performing, clutching their coffee in one hand and their cell phone in the other and acting as if the worship service is no different than attending a movie.

I wish people showed more reverence that they are in a place of worship and that the purpose is to focus on their relationship with the Lord and not as a social gathering. The church is not the building. But the building should be revered as a place where respect for worship is shown.


23 posted on 07/18/2013 6:25:29 AM PDT by OrangeHoof (Howdy to all you government agents spying on me.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Biggirl

So, are you okay with shorts and tank tops at church?


24 posted on 07/18/2013 6:26:04 AM PDT by Bigg Red (Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved! -Ps80)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Bigg Red

You can dress respectful and cool and confortable for church.


25 posted on 07/18/2013 6:28:49 AM PDT by Biggirl ("Jesus talked to us as individuals"-Jim Vicevich/Thanks JimV!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies]

To: basil

I always feel so sorry for the men, including the priest, when those scantily-clad teenagers show up at Mass.


26 posted on 07/18/2013 6:28:56 AM PDT by Bigg Red (Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved! -Ps80)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: Tax-chick

Excellent observation and well said.


27 posted on 07/18/2013 6:30:50 AM PDT by Bigg Red (Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved! -Ps80)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: Bigg Red

Thank you.


28 posted on 07/18/2013 6:35:57 AM PDT by Tax-chick (No pun intended, no punishment ... If I offended you, you needed it.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 27 | View Replies]

To: markomalley
This is not unique to the Roman Catholic faith.

Churches of all sorts have given in to the seeker sensitive mode. “Don't expect people to dress up. That is a pain and is not seeker sensitive!”

29 posted on 07/18/2013 6:38:15 AM PDT by Gamecock (Member: NAACAC)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Biggirl

Okay, good. I agree. When I see women coming in with shorts and tank tops, I pray to the Lord to send me some charity, as I have the urge to yell at them.

And, really, I have not been inside many non-air-conditioned churches in my adult life. If it is truly beastly outside, I may wear a sleeveless top or dress, but some sort of jacket goes on over it after I get out of the car.

BTW, when I was a little girl in the 1950s, our church was not air-conditioned, and we little girls and our mothers were dressed up, including hats and gloves, and slips and stockings! And the men wore suits or sports coats.


30 posted on 07/18/2013 6:38:39 AM PDT by Bigg Red (Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved! -Ps80)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 25 | View Replies]

To: markomalley

BTTT!

I always dressed up for church as a child, the oldest of seven.

And I still do as an adult.


31 posted on 07/18/2013 6:44:07 AM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: OrangeHoof

The church isn’t where non-believers come to be converted. It is where Christians come to worship, and to prepare to go out into the world and share the Gospel. IMHO.


32 posted on 07/18/2013 6:48:14 AM PDT by Mr Rogers (Liberals are like locusts...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 23 | View Replies]

To: markomalley

Put on you’re Sunday best. I still do. No shorts, tshirts, or flipflops. Also no cracks (men) or cleavage (women). There’s plenty to see outside of church.


33 posted on 07/18/2013 6:53:48 AM PDT by showme_the_Glory (ILLEGAL: prohibited by law. ALIEN: Owing political allegiance to another country or government)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: markomalley

I know I would treat Catholic priests much more seriously if they didn’t channel their inner stand up comedian at mass homilies.


34 posted on 07/18/2013 6:55:22 AM PDT by Ted Grant
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: markomalley

Yes the church has lost reverence. The chatting before mass reminds me of a movie theater in most of the Novus Ordo masses in my diocese. The children are allowed to scream, misbehave, and eat random snacks as if they were at a play group, or at the movies.

Reverence will only return when people are properly formed again - proper formation being taught the intellectual underpinnings of redemption (Faith and Reason). The complete breakdown aftermath of Vatican II replacing the sacrifice of the mass with a people’s meal has rendered it almost meaningless and the people “get” it and respond accordingly with horrendous behavior. It is the blind leading the blind, the teachers are oblivious to proper doctrine and are passing along the errors. The faith is watered down each generation, other than the very few who realize that they need to read pre vatican saints to understand their Faith.

The poor formation extended to the seminaries so we are getting bad formation and bad behavior enabled right from the teachers.

Don’t even start me on the ditties and extremely poor quaility of what passes for liturgical music. If you listen to the melody without the lyrics, one could be at a campfire or worse - including the Agnus Dei which is normally trivialized to the point of banality.

The smoke of satan HAS entered the church, and the door was opened for the secular world to get worse because the church is the spiritual gate to keep satan out.


35 posted on 07/18/2013 7:04:27 AM PDT by stonehouse01 (Equal rights for unborn women)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Bigg Red

What gets my goat is the intrusion of laughter and/or applause, which for me completely interrupts the liturgy. And those are instigated by the celebrant either as jokes during the homily, or as congratulations of some person or group.

Then there’s Mother’s Day and Father’s Day: “Would all mothers please stand?” (applause) or, “Would all fathers please stand?” (applause).

We couples not so blessed remain glued to our seats.

And of course the Sign of Peace where the Mass grinds to a halt while people shake hands, hug, wave, and nowadays whip out the Purell. Recently a pandemic was raging & the celebrant told us to “wai” to each other (hands together & bow Hindu/Buddhist style).

Topped off with liturgical music accompanied by guitars & tambourines.


36 posted on 07/18/2013 7:04:54 AM PDT by elcid1970 ("The Second Amendment is more important than Islam.")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 22 | View Replies]

To: Ted Grant

“..channel their inner stand up comedian...”

Yes!! When did that trend start - it seems to be a trend for priests who feel they must do this and it is usually truly unbearable. Another bad fruit of the priest turned around and now feeling that he is on a stage and must perform.


37 posted on 07/18/2013 7:06:26 AM PDT by stonehouse01 (Equal rights for unborn women)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 34 | View Replies]

To: Mr Rogers
The church isn’t where non-believers come to be converted. It is where Christians come to worship, and to prepare to go out into the world and share the Gospel. IMHO.

I think there are a lot of Baptists that might disagree with you. :-) The "altar call" is often a standard part of their service.

I think some people do come to church and are led to accept Christ because of the sermon they just heard. For others, it is for re-commitment or simply to encourage others in their walk with Christ.

There's a fine line between making church accessible to non-believers so they might hear the truth and devoting time in church to nourishing the flock. A good church service does both. Reasonable minds can disagree on where the line should be drawn.

In the same vein, there is a line drawn between "modernizing" the church service to attract more people and watering down the truth of God's word. I've watched churches wither and die because they would not attract new members but I've also seen churches so eager to please the crowd that they have pretty much abandoned God's word for a lot of happy talk and social events. Where to draw that line is another one where reasonable minds disagree.

Personally, I think the Sunday service should be for worship and preaching. We should trust God that He will bless us if we are faithful to Him and His message, even if that message butts heads with today's society. Yet, there is also something to be said for a church with a very strong outreach program both locally and beyond. The error comes in trying to water down the preaching so as to tickle more ears.

38 posted on 07/18/2013 7:36:32 AM PDT by OrangeHoof (Howdy to all you government agents spying on me.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 32 | View Replies]

To: OrangeHoof
"In our lobby, we offer coffee, lemonade, water and donut holes. So it is not uncommon for adults to wander into the auditorium in casual clothes after the live musicians are already performing, clutching their coffee in one hand and their cell phone in the other and acting as if the worship service is no different than attending a movie."

I completely agree with you. I voiced my disapproval of refreshments in church once, and boy, did I get flamed, LOL.

We should be willing to put our coffee and snacks on hold long enough to worship God.

39 posted on 07/18/2013 8:49:19 AM PDT by CatherineofAragon ((Support Christian white males----the architects of the jewel known as Western Civilization).)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 23 | View Replies]

To: basil

I don’t know about the men, but the ladies can wear a cool dress during the hot summer. That shouldn’t be an excuse.


40 posted on 07/18/2013 8:54:03 AM PDT by murron (Proud Mom of a Marine Vet)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-67 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson