38 :: Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church

Today I attended Mass at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in South Charlotte. I have now attended Mass often enough that it is less unfamiliar to me. I still can't make out everything that is being repeated by the gathered faithful, nor do I know what to do in terms of standing and sitting at the right time. But it is becoming slightly more familiar.

There really is variety in the way that Catholic churches perform Mass. For example, this church had no music. That was a first for the Masses I have attended.

When I arrived, I spent some time checking out the property, both inside and out. Here's a bit of that (of note is that Mother Teresa is honored here):

As you can see, a beautiful place. 

Mother Teresa became a Saint in 2016, through the process that Catholics call beatification. I don't know much about it, but I believe there must be some evidence of the miraculous in the life of the person being evaluated for Sainthood. What she did that fulfilled that is anyone's guess. But when I lived in India, I remember how she was revered by people of all faiths. Simply an amazing person and a noteworthy life.

The homily was the memorable part of the Mass. It was about the Baptism of Yeshua.

The baptism is recorded in all four Gospels. It is performed by John the Baptist, Yeshua's cousin. Once the act is done, there is reference to the Spirit of God descending like a white bird. Heady stuff, for sure.

Here are the links - Matthew 3:13-16, Mark 1:9-10, Luke 3:21, John 1:29-34.

An interesting question was explored during the homily. As the only person to have lived a human life without the dark weight of sin, why did Yeshua require baptism? The Priest offered that it wasn't to experience forgiveness, but rather to sanctify the act of Baptism. He put Himself at the front of the long and ongoing individuals who partook of this new sacrament, Baptism. That line includes billions of people who followed Yeshua in that act. May it go on into the future, too. 

It's like the Cross and the Empty Grave, if you think about it. Those acts were opening up eternal life forever. Only He could do that. Once done, we can also participate in that sacred practice, as well. Rising to New Life.

So, I left this Mass with a new understanding. For that I am grateful!

I went to Freedom House after Mass and experienced a very different kind of worship. I continue to be struck by the myriad of ways that people seek His face.

In closing, I'll share a video that I find to be very moving. It is the song Surrounded by Upper Room. It says so much, and I hope you watch the whole thing.

I have become very accustomed to this kind of music and form of worship. With that said, I love seeing the variety that I am experiencing in all of these churches. I also love new insights and ideas that broaden my understanding. And the homily at Saint Vincent de Paul definitely provided me some of that. I remain grateful for such chances and thank this Catholic body for hosting me today.

Amen and... amen.