Reasons NOT to Attend the Traditional Latin Mass
These were all reasons I've found for not attending the TLM:
1. I don't know Latin.
2. I don't want to stand out because I don't know what I'm doing.
3. I can't follow the Mass.
4. I prefer English.
Can anyone reading relate? I could keep going if you'd like...
...and...does anyone notice a similar subjective personal pronoun that keeps popping up?
Yes, one of the biggest obstacles in attending the Mass in the Extraordinary Form is ones own personal pride (that Deadly Sin with the capital "I" in the middle). It kept me from attending for years, despite my sincere desire to develop a deeper growth in my faith and more intimate relationship with the Eucharist. Let's face it, we are caught up in a society and culture that keeps our gaze inward. Yet, at the same time we instinctively seek a deeper spiritual relationship with our Lord and Savior. We just tend to get in our own way of it.
So, I'd like to throw out my own version of Pascal's Wager out there. If you are anything like me and are seeking that connection at Mass which for whatever reason, seems insufficient or inadequate, give the Latin Mass a try. I mean, what do you have to lose? Sit in the back and just follow along. It will quickly become clear to you that no one will notice that this is new to you. Then it will become even more clear why...
...that the miracle that God is allowing us to witness and assist in, is the total focus of everyone in attendance. It is about the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, not about any one individual. It is greater than any one of us and you just can't but put your focus, perhaps for the first time this unobscured, on the True Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
For those who take up my 'challenge', "Welcome Home"...
1. I don't know Latin.
2. I don't want to stand out because I don't know what I'm doing.
3. I can't follow the Mass.
4. I prefer English.
Can anyone reading relate? I could keep going if you'd like...
...and...does anyone notice a similar subjective personal pronoun that keeps popping up?
Yes, one of the biggest obstacles in attending the Mass in the Extraordinary Form is ones own personal pride (that Deadly Sin with the capital "I" in the middle). It kept me from attending for years, despite my sincere desire to develop a deeper growth in my faith and more intimate relationship with the Eucharist. Let's face it, we are caught up in a society and culture that keeps our gaze inward. Yet, at the same time we instinctively seek a deeper spiritual relationship with our Lord and Savior. We just tend to get in our own way of it.
So, I'd like to throw out my own version of Pascal's Wager out there. If you are anything like me and are seeking that connection at Mass which for whatever reason, seems insufficient or inadequate, give the Latin Mass a try. I mean, what do you have to lose? Sit in the back and just follow along. It will quickly become clear to you that no one will notice that this is new to you. Then it will become even more clear why...
...that the miracle that God is allowing us to witness and assist in, is the total focus of everyone in attendance. It is about the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, not about any one individual. It is greater than any one of us and you just can't but put your focus, perhaps for the first time this unobscured, on the True Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
For those who take up my 'challenge', "Welcome Home"...
posted by Unknown at
12:36 PM
6 Comments:
You mean it's NOT all about me?
Well, Here in New Orleans, Where I am in temporary exile, I found a TLM at St. Patrick's Church on Camp Street and I went. Now I still get completly LOST in what is going on and when to stand, kneel etc... but that is why I sit in the middle of the church and watch everyone else.
And I am going to tell you this just cuz I know it will annoy. . . (LOL) Mass was said by a JESUIT!
Kath,
So was I!!! LOL! Believe me, it'll come easier and easier the more you attend the TLM.
And you're lucky... you found the rare Jesuitius Catholicus. Many believed that particular species was extinct. Looks like you've stumbled across on of the few still alive. *evil grin*
What is better, he is a young one too. (ok, his 50's... but that is still considered "young")
1. I don't know Latin.
2. I don't want to stand out because I don't know what I'm doing.
3. I can't follow the Mass.
4. I prefer English.
**I can relate with all the above. When coming back to the church I felt drawn to the Latin Mass for its tradition. So I purchased a Roman Missal to help guide me through it.
I was amazed the first time I attended a Latin Mass at the respect and beauty of the Mass. It was a 2 hour service, much of it kneeling, and I was also amazed that there was no talking or coming and going, or leaving the mass immediately after communion compared to the regular service I attend.
Anon,
Welcome home.
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