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Consider this point-counterpoint exchange. POINT: I feel so uncomfortable before Mass begins-I cannot think or pray -I have tried praying the rosary before Mass begins but I find this inpossible to do.My biggest distraction is the adults they never cease chatting until the priest comes on the altar. I could understand if this was all children but it is not -Can”t anyone explain to the adults the importance of prepareing for Mass? COUNTERPOINT: I imagine we all prepare for the Eucharist in our own way. For me, preparation begins at home, looking over the readings, letting them kind of move around in my mind and heart. Certainly some moments of silence are helpful to focus and center ourselves. But it also seems realistic (to me) that when a community gathers there will be at least some chatter, some words of welcome and recognition. There is probably a healthy tension between the personal and the communal. Both need to be given time and respect. For me, this is another of those things that is not “either /or” but “both /and”. I have a memory of my 8th grade religion teacher saying that when I go to Mass I should be so focused on God that I should not even notice who is next to me. It made sense to me then, but I confess it does not anymore, with my understanding that when I gather with the community, community is important in c lebrating the Eucharist. Can it be overdone? Of course, as with everything.
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