This weekend we had Baptismal Masses at our Church.
Masses like these, where we have many visitors, often challenge the patience God wills me to have. Especially when I saw my "church pet peeves" all around me.
For example ... there were many people present who did not respect the Mass. They talked during it, looked at their phones, and seemed to have no idea what was going on.
What I said to myself: It bothers me to no end that these people do not appreciate that they are in God's house and the miracle that takes place here.
What God would probably say to me: At least they came to Mass, which is the first step. Maybe they will be inspired by what they see ... perhaps your patience or helpfulness ... and come back. What are you doing to make sure that happens? Anything?
Then there was the gentleman that arrived during the Liturgy of the Eucharist (!) and wanted all of us to slide over so he could have a seat.
What I said to myself: Sir, it might help to invest in a watch.
What God would probably say to me: He would most likely remind me that there was a time when I would show up for Mass whenever I felt like it (although never that late). Perhaps he would open one of the Missals to Matthew 20 and remind me of the Parable of the Workers.
At this particular Mass, there were two adorable babies being Baptized. As the two sets of parents and Godparents stood on the Altar, only one of them was smiling. The other seven looked like they were thinking about a million other things.
What I said to myself: What a beautiful occasion this is and look at these folks! They look miserable. Did they not read my last blog post?
What God would probably say to me: Here is a mirror. Try using it. And while you're at it read John 8:7.
And of course, what pet peeve list would be complete without the crying baby. We had one at this Mass, and she was crying so loud I could barely hear the Homily.
What I said to myself: How hard is it to go to the crying room? It is the one with the big glass window and all the babies in it.
What God would probably say to me: Open your Bible to Matthew 19:14. My Son did not mind when children interrupted Him ... neither should you. And besides ... that baby crying is the one you are supposedly welcoming into the Church today!
(I pray our forgiving Lord has more patience with me than I do with others!)
God Bless you.
5 comments:
Michael, you are brilliant.
You behaved exactly as I do when they have Baptisms in our Church on Sundays. You forgot to add two more annoyances of mine:
"Will these people sit down and stop taking photos every few minutes?"
"Look at all these people who only come to church only for Baptisms. They've taken over the whole car park. Where am I going to park? In the street and risk getting a ticket from the police? I bet they're only baptising their kids so that they can get them a place in the local Catholic schools!"
You see, Michael. I am as bad as you and in need of God's forgiveness.
Praying for you and me ... oh and those baptised in your church today ... right now.
God bless.
Hi Michael,
Oh yes - I can relate! Loved the remark: "Here is a mirror. Try using it."
Strange how we like to glue our eyes to others so that we don't have to look at ourselves, isn't it?
Victor: Thank you for your kind words, prayers and consolation. Your two items are definitely on my list!
Mary: Totally agree. I can only imagine what God must think of my antics down here on earth. Thank goodness He is so forgiving.
God Bless you both.
After reading all of your post Michael! What I said to myself: Michael, how there you show up at our church then show off by quoting scripture about "IT". What God would probably say to me: BE NICE VICTOR! True that Christians are "ONE BODY" within The Bride of My Son Christ but don't forget that there are many varieties of DNA Cells within His Body and Michael will tell you where to find that passage so you can read all about it.
God Bless
Ah yes, the log in our own eye... I'm guilty!
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