REFLECTION ON TODAY’S MASS

“Waa….” is the sound heard all over the church. The patter of feet or the sight of playing or restless children could be seen all over the church.

As I reflect on these sounds, I remember the church of my youth and the last church I left. My church in Michigan was dying with old people. There were fewer children. If there had not been a school, one wonders if there would have been any children at all. When I was growing up, small children were rarely seen in mass. Small children were sent to the nursery. Now I sat beside a nursing mother whose child made noise and tried to sing throughout mass.  The church was filled with the sounds of the young all over.

Today, we had a confirmation group.  This warmed my heart. I taught this sacrament for almost twenty years. This showed the church is alive and is continuing to grow. The sound of children is good. It means young people are coming back to the Catholic Church. Girls were alter girls. There were young girls messing with their robes and ties. It had a different look but it felt good.

I had been very depressed last night when a noted TV network person appeared to be promoting the Church of Satan. Satan is always present. I believe nonbelievers in Christ  is the reason we have so many senseless killings.

It felt so good to see and hear young people returning to the church. It gave me hope in a time when there is little hope in everyday things. The sound of children meant new life for the family of believers in Christ–the Church.