I went to mass on Monday for the first time since I think John Paul was the pope. My daughter was the altar server and I have to admit it was pretty cool to see her in action.
First off, no I didn't burst into flames and the holy water didn't singe my eyebrows. And yes, given it was Monday at 7:30 am it was sparsely attended. The priest saying mass was barely intelligible and I thought at a couple of moments he might actually just fall over and leave this earth.
8 of the 12 of us there matched the priest's demographic. It was a tight 25 minute service as the singing (which I usually like) and the sermons (which I typically don't) were not part of the gig.
All of this being said, it was some very nice quiet time for me to reflect, but the payoff came after the mass.
As I was ready to leave a couple that I know through school stopped me to say hello. They are a totally fun pair. As I was speaking to them, I realized how touching it was for me to see the two of them together at a Monday morning mass.
It reminded me that while mass is not my cup of tea, it can serve as a rock solid foundation in other people's lives.
I'm getting tired of reading how terrible the Catholic church is. I certainly believe the organization should be called to the carpet for a number of its damaging practices. I'm through with investing in vitriol for the church.
But like I tell my daughter, the church gives millions of people meaning and purpose and, while human just like I am, a huge percentage of those people are loving and generous people. They have proven path to getting closer to God that works for them and I have zero beef with that.