Disruption in Mass: Dad's Turn
I’ve likely mentioned somewhere in the past that there is nowhere else I’d rather be on this earth than in Mass at any given time. The Mass is rich with meaning and its density is much more profound than we are able to fully articulate or comprehend. God chose the holy Mass as the gathering place at which Christ would make Himself present and offer Himself to us, His bride. It is the truest of unions between Heaven and Earth, and the place where we become as united as able with the Lord of the universe.
To piggyback off of that theme, the Mass is my favorite place to be, especially with my favorite people; my wife and son. We belong together in this most sacred space as fellow sinners to worship side by side as we gaze up to the Father; however, therein lies what I wish to comment on. We ought to be side by side gazing up and lifting our hearts on high to the King- unless of course my almost two-year-old says otherwise.
The reality is, there are times in Mass when my son isn’t “feeling it” and acts out a little bit, and at times, a lot of bit. For whatever reason, he tends to grow angry as soon as we step back into the pew from Holy Communion. (My wife and I are still trying to figure out why that is, to be honest.) He’s not yet to the age where he can make it through a Mass without us needing to tend to him, and that’s okay. He’s not even two!
When we’re in Mass, I argue that we should want to lose ourselves within the celebration, the readings, the liturgy of the Eucharist, the hymns, etc… We should step outside of ourselves and immerse our beings with the tradition that is present before us. The reality is, though, our children make demands of us so that we’re unable to truly get lost within the Mass. This, however, is an opportunity to remain selfless, to pour out our love and attention toward the child (or children) who beckons us.
You see, this is the opportunity to live out the Gospel in action. We can choose to ignore the child, and risk the escalation of volume, which, I’ve done. Or, we can look at the child, pour out the self, and help them with whatever it may be. Sure, we ought to use prudence and judgement to discern if it’s necessary, or the child is acting out for attention or what have you. Only we as the parents can know that threshold. It is, however, the chance to love, in arguably the holiest place we frequent, where love is on fullest display.
Can it be frustrating to have to pick your child up after just having put him down three seconds ago? Sure, you bet (we’ve all been there). Is it frustrating to miss entire readings or homilies because your little one needs something like a diaper change, food, whatever? Yes, of course. But these are perfect opportunities to offer love in the pouring-out of the self for the better good, namely your child. I’d argue the Lord prefers your love and service for the child He has given you, rather than being harsh toward him/her and creating an environment where the child might come to resent the Mass.
The next time(s) your child “interrupts” you at Mass, perhaps consider it as a nudge from the Spirit to empty yourself for that child. Besides, your wife would like it, and will probably need a break anyway!
