Mass

Mass was interesting this past Sunday...

Part 1:

...I listened to readings that touched me

Proverbs 31: 10-13, 19-20, 30-31

When one finds a worthy wife,

her value is far beyond pearls.
Her husband, entrusting his heart to her,
has an unfailing prize.
She brings him good, and not evil,
all the days of her life.
She obtains wool and flax
and works with loving hands.
She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her fingers ply the spindle.
She reaches out her hands to the poor,
and extends her arms to the needy.
Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting;
the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her a reward for her labors,
and let her works praise her at the city gates.

I would have selected that reading for my wedding if I would have thought of it.

Psalm 128: 1-5
R. (cf. 1a) Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

Blessed are you who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways!
For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;
blessed shall you be, and favored.
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
in the recesses of your home;
Your children like olive plants
around your table.
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
Behold, thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
The LORD bless you from Zion:
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

Part 2:  This is a venting part...

...I was extremely disappointed by the priest's homily

I don't believe the pulpit is the place to speak about how you expect your parishioners to dress for Mass.  Regardless of attire, I believe that all are welcome in the house of God.  We were told that flip flops and shorts are not appropriate, yet I look around and see sweatpants and tight dresses.  My favorite old man wears an army jacket, sweatpants and sneakers every single Sunday and he is by far one of the most active participants at Mass.  In my opinion, speaking about what to wear and what not to wear only makes people feel unwelcome and that is the absolute LAST thing someone should feel when they walk into church. This isn't the first time that I have been utterly disappointed and frankly pissed at this particular priest...I literally sat there steaming for a good 15 minutes; it completely ruined Mass for me. 

He made a comment this summer about chewing gum and socializing after Mass.  I would estimate that 15% of the parishioners remain in their seats during communion, including my husband, and if they want to chew gum, let them chew gum.  It isn't hurting anyone.  As for the socializing, when parishioners speak to one another, there is a sense of community and belonging which I love!  I understand that some people stay after Mass to pray, my granny being one of them, and I doubt they mind five minutes of chatter.  Rarely do people stay in church and chat for more than 5 minutes without moving outside. 

Maybe I am overreacting, but it's been bothering me and I needed to get it off my chest.  Sorry readers.  Any and all opinions are welcome. 

much love.