ASK DEACON MIKE

I recently received a question about bowing our heads at the name of Jesus. For those of us who go back a few years (probably more years than we wish to acknowledge) we may remember our parents and teachers telling us that we should bow our heads any time the Holy Name of Jesus is mentioned. This particular question asked why most people, including clergy, do not bow their heads at Jesus’ name.

Now I cannot answer for anyone except myself. I try to remember this small act of piety but I admit I sometimes forget. But that does not mean that I have a diminished reverence, respect or love for the name of our Lord. While this question is one that only the individual can answer for himself or herself, I believe it opens us up to a wider discussion of piety.

While the Church teaches us that individual acts of piety are good, we must be careful that these acts do not draw attention to ourselves. Jesus tells us to go to our rooms and close the door to pray in secret to Our Father who hears our prayers in secret. In that case it is very obvious that the ultimate act of piety is not an outward movement, gesture or even spoken word. Piety is an expression of our soul, our spirit connecting with the Holy Spirit who carries our needs and prayers to God.

Is it really necessary to make these gestures? If it is for outward show, then these are wasted acts that only draw attentions to us. They do nothing to bring greater praise and glory to Our Lord. They may even bring scandal to those who see and hear us. We only need to remember the Pharisee who prayed in the temple thanking God for not letting him be like the tax collector. This sort of prayer is an affront to God because it puts down others and shows no humility. However, if in the secret of our own thoughts we give pause at the mention of the name of Jesus then that is true prayer. It is not the outward signs of piety that God asks of us, it is the inner conversion of our souls – turning away from our self-centeredness and turning to God in faith and trust.

When we come to Mass we assemble as a community and pray and worship as a community. The church building is an assembly room where God’s children gather as a community to give thanks and praise and to seek God’s blessings on our endeavors and needs. As an assembly room, it is appropriate that we greet and acknowledge each other. After all, we are all there for the same reasons with the same need of help and forgiveness. Many people are upset because people talk and visit before or after Mass while they try to pray. I can certainly understand this frustration because sometimes things get out of hand.

I have seen many times instances where prayer is impossible because the level of noise and activity get so loud.  Even though we must never ignore each other there is acceptable behavior.  If you wish to have a lengthy conversation please go outside or back to the vestibule.  Many times I see children running up and down the isles.  I often wonder what their parents are thinking when they allow this to happen.  Kids need to expend energy, especially after sitting through Mass.  However, they need to go outside to do this.  Every once in a while I find children playing in the sanctuary.  Parents must teach their children about the sacredness of the space and the church itself.  When I see unsupervised children, I wonder if the parents even understand.

Piety is a virtue that all of us should practice.  Respect for others and the sacredness of our worship space is something that we must all observe.  Parents must teach their children to respect other people and the sacred spaces from the earliest age.  God bless you.  I love you all.  Deacon

 Please continue sending your questions. You can reach me by going to our parish website, www.spnparish.org and clicking on the ASK DEACON MIKE link. You can also send me an e-mail direct at deaconcmikefranks@comcast.net or you can drop an anonymous note in the collection basket or mail it to the parish office.

God bless you and I love you all!