Title reference:
Notice: hypocrisy ahead
Warning: hypocrisy ahead
Alert: hypocrisy ahead
I like fashion. I like clothes. I like shoes. I like purses. And I have a weird, unhealthy obsession with designer luggage (London Fog Oxford II collection...goosebumps!!!). Have I spent hours figuring out what I would wear to Mass, going through three outfits before feeling satisfied with my selection? You bet I have. Have those outfits included skinny jeans, flared jeans, high rise jeans, and the occasional jean shorts in the summertime? I couldn't have told a bigger lie if I answered no.
Changing gears here. Christmas Mass is by far my favorite part of Christmas. The choir has practiced for hours; the homily always seems to be engaging; the Church becomes standing room only; and oh gee- we just happen to partake in the Supper of the Lord! It's always fun to look around at Christmas Mass. There always seems to be an abundance of children, most possessing the sweet innocence of a child awaiting Santa and his reindeer. Generally speaking, church-goers also tend to bring out their nicest attire. Many even get their children new Christmas Mass outfits. Hair is either dolled up or nicely combed, and for many daring moms, the heels make an appearance for the first time since Easter.
Another gear change. This summer was a life-changing one as it was spent teaching Totus Tuus to the youth of the diocese. Part of our Totus Tuus curriculum is instructing kids on the importance of wearing "special" clothes for Mass - to show them that the Sacrament is an extraordinary part of our day. Seeing kids' faces light up upon learning that they get to - not have to - dress up for Jesus was so impactful!
All of these random thoughts bring us to my ponderings after leaving church last night. Why does my attire for Christmas differ from that of an "ordinary" Sunday Mass? Why should Sunday Mass attire differ from that of a weekday Mass? Why do I fail to possess the same childlike excitement I witnessed over dressing up for weekday Mass? Of course- there are many factors that one could rebut with: holiday season, family pictures, family's all home for once, Christmas dinner at Grandma's, etc. etc. None of those beautiful blessings can be denied! But if we stop to think about it - isn't the reason we go to Mass on Christmas to celebrate the birth of our Savior? Yet don't we receive that Savior in the Eucharist every time we go to Mass? Certainly we know that our Lord's Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity don't become "extra special" on Christmas!!!
Now now, I am not saying everyone needs to be wearing a suit and tie to daily Mass. As a busy college student, I know firsthand that is simply not possible! But what I am saying is perhaps we can all ask ourselves: in general, does our Mass attire reflect being in the presence of the Lord? Doesn't God deserve our best efforts year round, not just on Christmas and Easter? Is God's house really the place for pajama pants and mini skirts?
You can see where the hypocrisy plays in; I'll be the first to admit I'm no wardrobe saint. However, I think it's always beneficial for us (or at least myself) to stop and reflect upon the reverence we should show in the house of the God who took on a lowly human form to save us from our sins. No big deal or anything...
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night. May God's peace be with you and yours.
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