Comments on: Ten years ago

By: Theologian Mom

Theologian Mom — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 01:49:52 +0000

Ah, orientation Mass! Frankly, I’ve never been a big fan of Masses held in a gymnasium. But I am glad you survived the experience.

By: Luke J.

Luke J. — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:34:35 +0000

Clara, thanks for sharing. Let me tell you, I was not expecting an ending like that.

As I was reading, I was expecting you to finally take the gold plate and walk up the aisle with the Eucharist. I expected a “moral of the story” to be a sort of “born again” revelation — just one small act, and your whole being is awakened thanks to the inclusiveness of certain happy-go-lucky buddies.

In reflecting on this story, I am disappointed (but glad I can recognize) how my education has shaped my own worldview to an inclusive, pluralistic “join hands and sing kumbayah” culture.

Needless to say I’ve thought a good deal about this little experience of yours in reflecting on my own life. Thank you, Clara.

By: Discipulus

Discipulus — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:23:33 +0000

Good story. It shows how grace is given to anyone sincerely seeking the truth. You were lead through the chaos to the genuine article.

“Lead, kindly Light, amid th’encircling gloom, lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home; lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me. …”

By: Clavem Abyssi

Clavem Abyssi — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 22:48:07 +0000

Your account was delightful and reminded me of Newman’s fictional account of his protaganist’s first Mass in “Loss and Gain” (http://www.newmanreader.org/works/gain/chapter3-10.html). I suppose if it were a Novus Ordo, they probably would’ve strong-armed him into carrying the cross in, or something, hehehe.

I still hate it when I get asked to spontaneously assist at Mass. Especially reading. These things take preparation, spiritual and mental, at least for an introvert like me. Even simple tasks like gift-bearer, which don’t really have any “sacred” function, would terrify me to do impromptu. I’m getting a creepy feeling right now just thinking about it.