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“Come to the table, time to eat!”
And here they come. Kids come to the table, and almost immediately the complaints start pouring in.
WARNING: Some of the following might trigger you if you are or recently were a parent of one - or multiple - one to nine year olds (They stop when they turn ten right? RIGHT?!)“I want to sit there!”
“That’s where I was sitting!”
“Why are we eating this?”
“Is there anything else?”
“Why can’t we have mac’n’cheese?”
Why? Why does this happen almost every single night? We often remind them to be grateful and that it doesn’t matter where they sit, yet it keeps happening. And then of course once we start eating…
“Face forward.”
“Chew with your mouth closed.”
“Eat.”
“Stop talking and eat.”
“Sit on your butt or knees, please.”
“Eat.”
“No you may not be excused, other people are still eating.”
“How do we show others we’re listening?”
(Obviously all of this is said in a very calm manner and there is no frustration or raising of voices or anything.)
Why do I share this charming, inspiring, and heartwarming drama?
Because I think it relates to our attitude in going to Mass.
One of the main reasons to go to Mass is for our own benefit. God knows what our needs are, and although we are obligated to go to Mass, it’s not for the benefit of anyone but us. However we keep finding reasons not to go, or reasons why we don’t like it, and we complain.
“That’s the pew we always sit in.”
“I don’t like the music.”
“The homilies are boring.”
We go to show gratitude (pretty sure I’ve mentioned this before, but Eucharist comes from Greek and means Thanksgiving). Yet how grateful do we seem to be to Jesus for dying on the cross if we’re complaining the whole time, or would rather be elsewhere?
Now I get it and totally agree. I was and still am focused on how well the music is done, as well as the skills of the musicians. I often think of ways the priest could’ve have given a better homily. I believe many churches need to put a lot more effort and resources into improving the two.
However, not only is quality of the music and the homilies subjective, and although I might not like it doesn’t mean no one likes it, it shouldn’t affect my gratitude to Jesus’ sacrifice. I might not enjoy it as much, and I might not be as inspired or get as much out of it. But it’s not about what I get out of Mass, it’s about what I’ve already received (Hint: it rhymes with schmalvation).
Although the kids might not like what we make for a meal, they should still be grateful of the nourishment that’s been provided (and this is not me being on a high horse, because I still complain when my mom makes something I think is too healthy and isn’t what I want). And although it’s understandable for them to complain or not be super excited, as a parent, I know I feel more appreciated when they don’t and they eat with positive and grateful attitudes.
Shouldn’t we give the same God?
