Meditation Twenty-four, Third Week of August 2003

Giving a Good Example in Church

Readings: Psalm 122; Luke 19:45-46; Matt. 18:20

Apparently things had become rather irreverent at the end of the fifteenth century, since the Oratory rule calls for members to give a good example of prayerful attention at worship. Unfortunately, we can observe a widespread lack of reverence in the Church today.

Let's begin with a consideration of the term reverence, which is part of human nature. We find varied but sincere and moving acts of reverence in all world religions and cultures. Declining cultures seem to be the most irreverent; persecuted religions seem to be the most reverent. Reverence is a prayerful sense of awe and humility demonstrated by those who experience what they believe to be the Divine Presence. There is something almost mystical about reverence, even when shown by a child. We are aware of being in the presence of God or of holy beings now with God, like angels and saints, in a number of ways: by personal conviction, an experience of other reverent people around us, and the invitations of grace. Reverence takes us out of our own world with its petty concerns and places us in God's presence. At the same time it removes us from trivial and aggravating human needs, and it replaces busy preoccupation with a calm awareness of the beauty and nobility of the human soul.

Reverence draws us away from relating exclusively to our own needs, whether they are the normal experiences felt in childhood or the immature needs of a narcissistic, self-centered adult. Reverence and respect are different realities, but they are related. Following Calvin, the Puritans and their descendants thought of Christ as being very distant, "in a far country," although He could be invoked in prayer and the soul could contact Him. They could even receive His body and blood by a prayerful reception of the bread and wine offered at the Protestant communion service. Thus our image of Calvinist worship is that it was more respectful than reverent. On the other hand, the Divine Liturgy of the Eastern Church evokes a sense of awe at Christ's mysterious presence in the liturgical prayers and especially in the Eucharistic sacrifice-not that there is a lack of respect, but reverence is much more in focus. In the East, where the liturgical services may be very long, it is not considered disrespectful to attend only part of the liturgy. Such an approach would be incomprehensible in old New England with its respectful Calvinist attitudes.

Unfortunately, Catholic participation in Mass, or liturgy, has two glaring problems. The first is that many view attendance at Mass as the fulfillment of the obligation to observe the third commandment. Some seem to come only to get a chore done, arriving late and leaving early. Even the priest may get caught up in this erroneous approach to things, rushing through the Mass, oblivious of the fact that while he may show respect, he shows little or no reverence and awe. The other problem with Catholic worship is that it is often an event, a happening. Various activities have the congregation as their focus, not the worship of God. It is obviously essential that the Mass be an inspiration and opportunity for the whole congregation, led by bishops, priests, and deacons, to offer joint worship to God. Mass is not a meditation, but a liturgical action. In these days when people tinker with the liturgy to make it more relevant, or aesthetically attractive, we have lost sight of the highest purposes of the liturgy. We attend Mass in order to join body, soul, heart, and mind with Christ, who makes the eternal offering of Himself to the Godhead, the most holy Trinity. Above all, we should summon every bit of reverence we can. Carefully placed moments of deep silence and fervent interior prayer are part of reverence at Mass. These are our response of awe. The Holy Father says we should be astounded by the Eucharist. Christ actually comes body and soul to be with us.

There are many ways to express reverence, including silence, before, during, and after Mass. Oratorians should be working to restore that silence. They should show reverent posture when standing, kneeling, or sitting, giving attention to the action of the Mass and fervent responses to prayers. If people around you are being irreverent, they can learn from your example. Don't be afraid to ask them to be quiet so you can pray. Tell them it's impolite to chat in church-and it is. Walk to and from Communion with a sense of deep reverence. Kneel to receive Communion where it is permitted and before and after Mass. Reverence and irreverence are both contagious through the way we dress, act, walk, and generally behave in church. The recent phenomenon of clapping in church lends, I think, a secular attitude of entertainment to liturgy that is most inappropriate. Let us, instead, make a joyful sound to the Lord by our prayer and singing. An Oratorian should be happy to be reverent and recollected at Mass and in church and in that way to give honor to God and good example to others. To use the words of that most reverent Christian, Mother Teresa, give something beautiful to God.

Quotation for Meditation

The Catholic Reformation: Savonarola to Ignatius Loyola (Harper & Row, 1969), 22-23.

The following is taken from one of the rules of an Oratory in Genoa, which was obviously only for men. There were also Oratories for women. It speaks also of a prior, who was really the coordinator and held the office only for six months. This is from chapter 10: "Concerning good customs."

"Your fraternity cannot include men who either publicly or secretly lead an evil life, namely, a life of concubinage, usury, injustice, blasphemy, and let no one among you gamble, nor stay to watch dice or cards, nor other prohibited games, nor at other licit ones through cupidity; and when in church divine offices are being sung, let no one of you go walking up and down or seek occasion to converse with each other more than is necessary in holy and honest places, always giving good example to each other and to whomever may see you. . . . Let each in order to form good habits fast one day a week as he is able . . . Let the appointed feasts be spent in spiritual labors, for they are ordained to this end. The other days let each hear Mass when he is able, or at least be present at the Elevation. The day that the brothers congregate let each brother as he enters the oratory, as he goes to seat himself, say 'Pax vobiscum' [Peace be with you]."

The rule of the Oratory also stated that members had to call one another "sir." This would be awkward in our day, but at that time it applied even to those who were of humble rank, with menial jobs, who were never otherwise called sir. The Oratory rule provided for a certain equality among its members in this way.

Quiet Time and Then Discussion

Questions for Meditation

1. Do you think there could be improvement in reverence in your parish church?

2. What exactly could be improved?

3. How can you make a difference?

Prayer

O Lord Jesus Christ, You are our eternal High Priest. Not only do we pray to You but You pray within us. You are the prayer in our midst. Help us to use mind, heart, body, and soul to offer You and with You to the Father a worthy sacrifice of praise. Help us to give the best possible example of joyful and fervent worship to the Lord. Amen.