The austerity of the current Mass

I did a great interview with John Harper on Morning Air Radio this morning, and as soon as the recording is up, I will include a link.

I came across an article by a fellow Catholic Stand writer named Alicia Connoly-Lohr, called, “The Pared-Down Mass is Better.” I saw the headline and though, how interesting! That is exactly what I have been thinking!

Admittedly, it is because I did not realize how much I dislike the music during Mass. Many people make fun of hymns and I used to come to the defense of said songs, but now I realize - eh, they are a rather lukewarm distraction much of the time. Sorry! Just calling it like it is!

Alicia has a better point, though. Like me, she was at first disturbed by how unrecognizable Mass had become (to the point where I thought, ugh, I’ll stick with the livestreams - which is kind of saying a lot). The caution tape, the masks, the distance between people and pews - it’s like an obstacle course to holiness.

She makes comparisons, though, to other times when Mass has not had its usual shape, like during war, and in prison camps. She makes the excellent point that in simplicity, or even anguish, we can find beauty, as in Michaelangelo’s representation of the Pieta.

Her point is that without the frills, the Mass becomes more innate and internal. I think that can be said for much of this year’s experience. When the external is taken away, one must look inward at what lasts.

So anyway, I recommend her article. Here is is again: The Pared Down Mass is Better.

Other things I have been thinking of: waiting, in general, and especially on God. Patience. The need to work with God, and not force one’s own will. Being the water that flows with him, not against him. Accepting that God gives, and he takes away. And as always, blessed be the name of the Lord.