Drive-Thru Communion - I want it and I want it now!

Most things today can be done instantly: sending letters, making phone calls, taking photographs, getting something to eat. Life is fast and instant. As Christians we need to be careful how we take advantage of the ever-increasing instant technology and how that affects how we live our faith.

For instance, as Catholics, we should not place time limits on the Mass and then leave when the time is up whether the Mass has ended or not. Attending Mass is not just about being there for communion either. It is about coming together as a community to hear God’s Word and partake of the Body and Blood:

“. . . the word and the Eucharistic liturgy are so closely

connected with each other that they form but one single

act of worship. . . . this . . . Synod strongly urges . . . them

to take their part in the entire Mass, especially on Sundays

and feasts of obligation” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy par 56).

As such, having taken Communion does not mean that it is okay to leave. Although we take away something from the Mass each week, our aim should not be to get in, get what we want and get out again in as little time as possible. Participation in the Mass is not available as drive-thru. What is the purpose of attending Mass if the entire time we are watching the clock and worrying about getting home or going elsewhere? We are there to worship, pray, reflect and be together as members of the one Christian family.

Generally, the Mass lasts for an hour, however, on major feasts, such as The Easter Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday). What importance do these events have on our lives as Christians? It is very important that we do not become so used to having everything completed within a certain amount of time that, when it does not happen, frustration, impatience and anger take over from the real reason we are there. As it has been pointed out, if our favourite sport goes into overtime we do not complain and leave before the end of the game. It should be the same with Mass. Jesus did not say to His Father in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Your Will be done, but only if it takes less than an hour!” Let us celebrate, giving our faith some focus and allowing ourselves to forget the preoccupations of our daily lives.

So, let us pray, for as long as it takes.

© Ann-Marie Rosman - used with permission.