Let's think of some stereotypes for "old people." They are slow, smelly, like bingo, talk too much, are cranky, and are not the prettiest to look at.
Well, I am writing today to say that I love old people. I like my elders. They are precious members of our Church and precious members of our world. This week, I went to a nursing home with my Grandma to help lead a rosary. Now, this is all just my experience, but I think it rings true for others: Old people make me feel great about myself. They are quick to compliment, easily impressed, and tell me how beautiful I am. They are gift-givers. It's not so much that they are nit-picky about say, setting a table for dinner; it is that they care deeply for the importance of their task. I think of how reverently and slowly my elders prayed the rosary this week. I think of how excited they get when a visitor comes. I think of how they love young people because they love youthful smiles, energy, dreams, and talents. Elders are slow--it's true. But perhaps it is we young people who are moving too fast. Perhaps it is the elderly who are closer to God's time. They may put all of their efforts into eating one meal or going to the grocery store, but in this, they are living the "Little Way" of St. Therese. They are not doing big, extravagant acts of holiness, but are offering themselves to God even in the slow rhythm of their daily lives. And here is another thing I want to say: The elderly love you! They are praying for you. They are watching you grow. They see great beauty in you. They love your attention and ear to listen. They love a soft touch on the shoulder or a warm clutch of a hand. I have a friend who thinks old people are cute, and I have to agree! They are easily pleased and love to be loved. The elderly are a part of our Church. Let us not forget them. Let us be attentive to them and see the face of Christ in them.
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Is it hard for you to go to Mass on Sunday? Is it hard for you to go to Mass on any day? Is it boring and long? Is it uncomfortable and unpleasant? Are parts of it annoying and redundant? Are the readings weird or is the music off pitch? Of course, Holy Mass is the most miraculous, wondrous, and extraordinary connection we people on earth have with heaven. It is where we commune with the entire Body of Christ and receive the very Body and Blood of Christ. It is where we are nourished and sustained. Let's be honest, though. Mass does not always feel like I'm having the time of my life. And I betcha, you feel similarly. So, let's look at eight different perspectives to look at Holy Mass. Each perspective can give us a new meditation and contemplation to further invest in the Mass. Jesus spoke in parables--stories that taught real life lessons. It makes sense, then, for us to look at Mass in different "ways" so that we can understand the real truth behind each perspective. 1. The Courtyard of Heaven Looking at Mass as us being in the courtyard of heaven comes from my high school Religion teacher. She explained to us that Mass is where heaven meets earth. And we on earth, meet heaven. And we are super close to the kingdom of heaven--so close, that we are in heaven's very courtyard, just outside of the gates. 2. The Great Hospital We are all sick in some way or form. It could be mental or physical. As humans, we are all sick from our sin. But Jesus came to redeem us from original sin. Mass is where we sinners go encounter God Himself in Word and Eucharist. As we listen to the scriptures, pray the responses, sing the songs, focus on thanksgiving, recall the Last Supper, petition the Father, watch the consecration in remembrance of His passion, and then receive Jesus, we receive healing. Mass is like a hospital where the Divine Physician tends to us. 3. The Battle Camp There is a reason why so many of us like The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. If you haven't seen the movie, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, I suggest you do. There is a this great, captivating battle scene in it. Life is a battle. There is a whole spiritual realm that we often don't think of. Mass is the place to pay attention to the spiritual. We acknowledge the presence of angels and demons; we call Jesus our Savior and Redeemer because he won the war against sin and death. Though the war is won, we still fight battles, and Mass is where we train ourselves, unite with others, call upon the saints and angels to assist us, and receive all that we need to win our daily battles against sin, and our ultimate battle to get to heaven. 4. The Wedding Mass is a great wedding ceremony. Read Revelation, "Come here. I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb" (Rev 21:9). We, the Church are the Bride of Christ. Jesus is the Bridegroom. Mass is packed with wedding imagery from walking down the aisle to receive the Eucharist to becoming "one flesh" with Jesus Himself when we receive His Body and Blood. Weddings are beautiful. If we see Mass as a wedding, we will also see the great beauty of heavenly marriage to Christ the King. 5. The Family Reunion Mass is where we meet with more than just our immediate family and more than our extended family. We meet with the entire Body of Christ. We meet with all those who come to the Mass at the church we attend and are also united to the people at Mass in all the churches in the world. Not to mention, all of heaven--which means that we get to be with the saints and angels, and all of our deceased relatives and friends. This is when I unite with my deceased grandparents and my little brother who was miscarried. I also get to unite with my favorite saints like St. Clare of Assisi. 6. The Audience with the King Just think about it! It would be super cool to meet Queen Elizabeth II of England. It would also be cool to meet the president of a country (depending on who and your views). It would be cool to meet Pope Francis. Imagine having an hour long audience with one of those "powerful" people. At Mass, we get an hour long audience with the King of kings. Our Father in Heaven is all ears for us! And we get to be all ears for him! This is a weekly (and even daily) opportunity I don't want to miss! 7. The Travel Around the World I hope to go to World Youth Day someday and be totally surrounded by people from all around the planet. Yet, whenever I go to Mass, I am totally surrounded by people from around the planet. Mass is said in union with all of the Masses said through out the world! So, at Mass, I am joining all of those in Portugal, Australia, and India because God is totally outside of time and space! I want to travel to Ireland and Italy, and it's cool to think that in Michigan, I'm united with the Masses happening at the Vatican in Italy and at Our Lady of Knock in Ireland! 8. The Birthday Celebration Mass is a party! We remember our birth into the Christian faith at our Baptism. We celebrate and sing and move up and down and greet one another. We walk up to embrace Jesus. We respond with praises. Alleluia. Alleluia. At Mass, we get to look at the suffering of Christ on the cross. But the cross is pointless if it doesn't end in life! And I'm talking eternal life. At Mass, we celebrate the current life we have and we look forward to being born into life everlasting! |
AuthorJacqueline St. Clare: I spent six months in a cloistered convent, and now I'm a college student! Archives
April 2021
SpiritualityVocationMental ILlnessSeasonalADVENT LENT
Unexpected Church MembersAll words that are underlined can be found on the "Glossary" page
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