When the first restriction for Mass where put in place, the
bishop requested we not use the chalice, we not shake/hold hands, and we not
receive on the tongue. This was a hard guidance for many who feel touching the
host in their hands to be profane. Some tried to argue that they had a
canonical right. Some insisted they would not offer their hands. Some said they
wouldn’t receive at all during this time. I admit it was hard for me too. And I
doubt which way is actually more sanitary.
But this wasn’t about my understanding of sanitary or canon
law. Nor anyone else’s who was making public protestations. It’s a matter of
obedience. The laity is placed under the care of their bishop. It is his
responsibility to lead and protect. Some fail. Some fail spectacularly. But
sometimes the laity fail too—fail to listen to their bishop when he says things
they don’t already agree with, fail obey the rules he has placed, fail to
follow where he leads.
And now the rule is don’t go to Mass. It’s hard to imagine a
bishop telling his flock to not go to Mass, but hundreds of bishops around the
world are making the same heartbreaking decision. For the safety of the
community, stay home. The priests will continue the sacrifice of the Mass in
private. The laity are expected to pray at home until we can gather again. Will
we hold up our end?
I don’t want to watch Mass online and pray along in my
living room. I want the familiar faces and my regular pew and the schola music.
I want to receive the Eucharist and know exactly when confession is available.
But I can’t have what I want. So I must do what I can. I can obey. I can wait.
I can pray.
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