Susan was a six year old ballerina. She worked hard for
weeks and now was on stage for her first recital. She wanted nothing more than
for her daddy to see her dance but he was away on business. He had hoped to
make it home but with flight delays due to bad weather it didn’t look good.
Susan stood on stage with the other little girls as she
scanned the audience. Her eyes desperately darted about looking for her father
but he was nowhere to be found. Her heart began to sink as the music started.
Then she saw his smile. He was sitting front row center. He had made it and she
was filled with joy.
My older children were brought into a life of faith when
they were older. It is not something they grew up with. They are now rebellious
teens and question the things they have been taught. They are not sure if they
believe or if they don’t or really what they believe. Mass is something they do
only because it is required.
I have struggled with that. During Mass we make a few oaths
that we will live for Christ and die for him if necessary. Whether we realize
it or not we swear our eternal lives as part of these oaths. Yet many,
including my children, don’t have the slightest clue what they are actually
doing or committing their lives to. We come to watch other people sing. We take
communion. We get donuts afterwards if the youngest is good. Really, there is
nothing to get excited about.
There are days that this really bothers me. Why require them
to go and take a half hearted oath they do not understand? There are times
where I just throw up my hands and say fine – stay home. That is exactly what I
did when I got confirmed. I left the church. That wasn’t God’s plan for my life
and he continually beckoned for me to return home for over a decade. Eventually
my ears were opened and I heard his voice. Can I trust God to do the same with
my children?
Mass is the single greatest event in human history, second
only to the incarnation. In each and every Mass heaven is connected to earth
and we are allowed to stand at the foot of the cross during the sacrifice of
our Lord with all of the angels and saints that have ever existed and who ever will.
We cannot see this supernatural reality happening around us in our fallen
nature but it is happening none the less. If we could see this reality there is
no other place we would ever want to be. I get to make up for what is lacking
in Jesus’ crucifixion. What possibly could be lacking? Quite simply, my
participation. That is what Mass does. It allows me to participate in the
greatest sacrifice of all time. I get to stand at the foot of the cross with
Mary.
Susan so desperately wanted her father to see her dance. She
worked hard trying to get the moves just right. It was something extremely
important to her and she wanted to share that experience. Mass is that for me.
I don’t require my children to attend Mass because I am a mean dad. I don’t
have the misconception that they will suddenly be filled with the Holy Spirit
and commit their lives to God. I do it because I know it is the most beautiful
and important thing we can ever experience on this side of heaven and I want to
share in the beauty with them. I am less, my family is less when they aren’t
there with us.
Lord, I will get them there. The rest is up to you. Help me
to open their hearts to your beauty and love.
