The Last Mass, The First Mass
We have come to a point in the World where we cannot physically go to Mass. I understand why we cannot. It's just something I never imagined I would be told I could not do.
We made a point to go to Mass Tuesday afternoon because we knew it was the last Mass that was going to be offered in our Diocese until the restrictions have been lifted.
I have always been a quality time person. That is my love language. When I get to spend time with people, that is when I feel most loved. Physical social distancing makes that difficult. Virtual social distancing is not a thing, but can be difficult when it is hard to reach the people you usually see each week.
With Mass, I am realizing how much I took for granted the physical aspect of it. There is something about walking into a sacred space. Seeing the crucifix hanging above the altar. The Tabernacle behind the altar. Your priest walking around greeting people as they come in or sit down. You sit down, you maybe kneel down, and you look up to heavens as if the curtains between heaven and earth are open, and you just say, "Hello." And something about that sacred space tells me, "welcome home."
Right now, it is different. I won't be walking into that sacred space. Instead, I'll be tuning in. In fact, I will be watching Mass via Blessed is She on Instagram TV for the solemnity of St. Joseph today. I am grateful that we have the technology to even broadcast Mass (as we really have for some time now, thank you EWTN).
Albeit, sometimes people continuously commenting was distracting BUT I appreciated it all the same because it definitely gave me a sense of community. I have never attended mass virtually, let alone attended mass on my phone via Instagram.
There was so much love present. And the sacredness of the Mass and the Sanctuary was still present. I was honestly very surprised at how much I felt I was still in that sacred space. Such a gift! My heart is full of sadness to be away from Jesus and not to receive, but the prayer for an Act of Spiritual Communion resonated so deeply in my heart, that I KNOW Jesus is still with us, and that we have still received Him in the Mass. He has been in our hearts all this time and continues to live there, each day.
"Believe that God is who He says He is, Believe that He is good. He is so good, that even in the hands of evil - He still brings about good!" - Fr. Johnny, Diocese of Milwaukee
The First Mass
My heart is so moved and overwhelmed with gratitude in the midst of social distancing. Although the experience is extremely different, what a beautiful gift it was to experience Mass live on Instagram.