Occasionally I get a request from someone when they are upset about something in the church. The request usually goes something like this: “Father, why don’t you make an announcement from the pulpit and tell people they should…” I am amused by these request because the message implied is that just because I am the pastor I can change people instantly. Oh how I wish that was so. I can hardly change myself let alone anyone else.
One example concerns summertime attire in church. “You need to do something about the way some people come to church as if they were going to the beach.” In truth, I would prefer to have all summer Masses jam-packed with people wearing flip-flops, shorts, and t-shirts rather than experience the typical decline in Mass attendance during the summer months. I know part of the drop-off is due to people away on vacation. I also know that another part of the decline is owing to a preference for outdoor activities rather than attending Mass. I have nothing against summer activities, but if I had the ability to change people I’d hope they would also appreciate the profound reality of God’s presence in the Eucharist.
Of course, when we assemble in God’s house, we should do so attired with respect for God’s presence and respect for one another. But most importantly, we should assemble.