Overall, I'd say we attend a pretty nice church where most everyone is helpful, friendly, and, well, Christian in their attitude towards each other. As with all large groups, we do have our characters and you have to wonder how they come up with their perceptions of the world and subsequent actions and reactions.
One woman seems obsessed with a prayer usually said after Mass for the intention of vocations. Sometimes, a new priest or even a regular priest will forget this added prayer. The woman likes to yell out the prayer as the priest is leaving the altar. Some priests just ignore her and others are embarrassed at this. It seems unnecessary for her to do this as I'm sure our Blessed Mother won't ban us from her Son's 'list' for omitting a prayer that is technically not supposed to be part of the Mass, anyway.
Lately, the priest has remembered the prayer but hasn't said the little prayer following it and this woman literally yells it from the congregation. We had a very full church on Ash Wednesday and from the crowded pews, loud and clear, she exclaimed the prayer. I'm sorry but it kind of reminds me of the Pharasee proclaiming his prayerfulness in front of the altar for all to see with the humble person kneeling in the back of the temple. Sometimes, the whispered prayers carry more impact.
I know this person will not stop her actions even with a rebuke from the pastor so I have learned to grin and bear it. However, I do not stay and follow her in this extra prayer given the manner she is presenting it. Several other people also exist quickly because of this. So, what has she accomplished?
Just my semi-rant for the day!
No comments:
Post a Comment