Greetings Parents!
"It's August Mom! School will be starting!" It is not quite August and there was a bit of sorrowful wailing in the tone. After months of being home, one would think the idea of going to school would be somewhat appealing. Could it be the years of habit, associating with an end to summer, sitting quietly in class, being assigned homework. Long-term emotional responses can overrule reason and even short-term emotional responses. Could this be why some traditions carry so much appeal?
This carries into our faith as well. My family grew up attending Mass every Sunday morning, having fasted since dinner the night before, and looking forward to returning home to a breakfast often made by Dad - even though Mom was the primary cook in our home. We looked forward to the brunch teamwork and family mealtime. However, getting ready for, and sitting through, Mass did not evoke the same feelings. Depending on the presiders and parish (we moved to new states 4 times), as a young child, it was at times a time to wait through.
Fortunately, at other times people helped me engage with Mass in some way. For a time it was a tiny figurine of Baby Jesus. Later it was a Mass Missal for all 3 liturgical years. Multiple ribbons in the missal helped me switch between text prayed at every Mass and the readings and prayers that change - and also gave me something else "to do" at Mass, but fully related to it. A brief commentary helped me feel a little more "in the know" on what the readings meant. Still, getting ready for Mass had that, "Boring!" feel to it, but once at Mass, there was interest because I had something to do to be engaged in it.
I'm embarrassed and very sorry to say that the "Groan" goes off in my head when I think of getting ready for Mass, but when I recall Who will be there, God's Loving Presence, the host of angels, and the loved ones who've reached heaven, there is more anticipation. When I recall the many times God has graced me with insights during the Mass and a sense of His Presence, I can only be grateful and look forward to spending time with Him again. However, it takes deliberate focus to step past childhood emotions and embrace the miracle offered at every Mass. As Sunday approaches, focus on the aspects of Mass that can bring greater interest for you, and help your children do the same!
Hug your children tight and help them find the wonder, engagement, and love present at every Mass.
-- Linda Bader, Coordinator of Religious Education
P.S. Did you know... when Mass begins, all of heaven becomes present in our Church, including the host of angels - joining the guardian angels already present with each of us. When the Host is consecrated into the Real Presence of Christ, the angels bow before the physical Presence of God, for the greatest miracle and greatest act of Love - bestowed on a creature He holds above all other physical creatures - humanity.