Is This Sacred?

It was a loud, almost raucous, crowd that had assembled in the large building. Today would mark a major moment in their lives.

Soon the man who would preside over the festivities stepped out onto the raised platform and asked his audience, “Is everybody ready to rock and roll?”

His question was answered with exuberant laughter. And the long-anticipated program began.

I could understand a crowd reacting this way at a concert or an athletic contest or even a political rally. But this event was led by a Catholic priest who was there to officiate at a Baptism of several young children

I was reminded of that disturbing occasion recently while worshiping at a local parish. The pastor’s homily focused on the sacredness of the church building because of the Real Presence of Christ in the tabernacle and the privilege of the people to receive Him in the appearance of bread and wine. The obvious point of the homily was that attendees at Mass should act and dress in a manner that reflects the sanctity of the church.

Of course, the priest was correct, but, unfortunately, many actions and policies in the modern Church, with full approval by the clergy, have led to the desacralization of the Mass and, thus, the church building. If we truly care about the Catholic Church, perhaps we should ask ourselves a few questions.

• Do we increase the sense of the sacred when those in attendance talk with each other before the Mass begins as if they were at a wedding reception, and the priest never corrects them?
• Do we increase the sense of the sacred when there is no dress code, and many women wear clothing suitable for women of ill-repute?
• In the same vein, do we increase the sense of the sacred when men and women wear shorts at Mass, ostensibly because it is now summer?
• Do we increase the sense of the sacred when we continue to receive the Eucharist in the hand, thus diminishing the consecrated hands of the priest?
• Do we increase the sense of the sacred when we interrupt the Mass at the most important point for the sappy “Kiss of Peace,” and the church is filled with either polite smiles, forced handshakes, or the ubiquitous long-range “peace signs”? (This author had fallen into this trap because I wanted to be polite and not hurt someone’s feelings. However, I have decided that a silent prayer would be more conducive to my spiritual preparation than to glad-hand those sitting near me.)
• Do we increase the sense of the sacred when the priest feels obligated to make the congregation laugh at least two or three times during the homily?

There are other examples, some more egregious than others, but, in general, sacred is as sacred does. For example, if the reader has ever watched the folding of the American flag before it is presented to the family of a deceased American veteran, you know that it is a very serious moment. The soldiers fold the flag with precision and care. Invariably, those in attendance instinctively know this is a time for silence.

How does this respectful silence come about? Because the military insists upon it. I urge the reader to Google the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington National Cemetery to see just how seriously the military takes their duty.

In a like manner, if the Mass is sacred, and the building is sacred because it contains the Real Presence, then every bishop and priest must insist that they and those in attendance act and speak accordingly. 

Will it ruffle some feathers? Probably. Will it take some degree of courage to boldly speak the truth? Without a doubt. But to keep the status quo only reinforces the notion that the Mass is really no big deal.