How We Dress for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass Matters! by Les Femmes - The Truth
A priest on Facebook posted this and it elicited quite a discussion. One gentleman argued that at least people were at Mass and, besides, how you dress depends where you are geographically. I always find that argument shallow. How many weddings do you see with guests arriving in shorts and flip flops even if the wedding is held outdoors?
It seems to me that the way one dresses is an indication of the seriousness with which one treats the event. Would anyone respond to an invitation to Buckingham Palace to meet the royals dressed in the casual way so many go to spend time with the Lord of the Universe? These things are not irrelevant or unimportant.
The Mass is not a fashion show, but there are things that illustrate a person's level of belief.
- The way one dresses
- The attitude, posture, and gestures: using holy water to make the sign of the cross as one enters the church, genuflecting before the presence of God, keeping a reverent silence rather than chatting and visiting with friends until outside the "holy place"
- Arriving on time and even early to prepare - Think of all the time people spend to "warm up" before engaging in a sport or even a casual run around the neighborhood. Does anticipation of the coming of Christ deserve less preparation?
- Staying at least a short time afterwards to say thank you. Would you get up at a guest's house immediately after a meal and walk out the door without a word of appreciation?