Church Name: Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

Church address: 136 N. Ellsworth, Naperville, IL 60540 

Date attended: November 1, 2015

Church category: Tridentine Mass

Describe the worship service you attended. How was it similar to or different from your regular context?

The church service I attended was similar to my own in a few ways. We sat in pews, were greeted at the door, prayed and sang. It was clear that most in the service were deeply meditating on God's message and presence to them in that time. It was different in a number of ways than the context I am used to. Something I noticed that I really appreciated was that there were so many whole families in mass together. Small children sat or knelt right beside their parents. While making young children attend such a solemn service may have the potential to put a bad taste in their mouths about Christianity, I think there is something sacred and special about children watching their parents worship and being a part of it for as long as they can remember. I also realized in the book I was reading along to guide me through the service how much symbolism is part of the Tridentine mass. I think it made me realize how intentional liturgy is and made me curious as to what symbolism I was missing in the traditions of my own church. I also noticed that I couldn't see where the music was coming from. It was as if it was from heaven. I liked this aspect of it because my attention wasn't drawn to who was singing but rather who they were singing about.  

How did the worship service illuminate for you the history and contours of global Christianity? 

I sympathized with Martin Luther and John Calvin after sitting (and kneeling.. wow that got painful fast!) through Tridentine mass. It really did feel as if I were in another time, and that I enjoyed. I imagined the mass not in the 21st century but the 15th century and enjoyed picturing myself in that time. I could see how the tradition and regularity of the liturgy provided a space for the individual to contemplate and meditate, but I was so frustrated by not being able to understand the language! What good is it hear the good news if you can't understand it? The beauty of the inside and the music cultivated an atmosphere in which I could experience the presence of God, but not hearing God's word in my own language was a challenge to say the least. It made me wish for more reverence and liturgy in more protestant denominations, but grateful at the same time for Luther and Calvin's reforms, particularly in seeing the necessity of the Word of God in one's own language, and the non-necessity of ceremonies only. 

 

How did the worship service illuminate for you your personal identity as a Christian?

Although I mentioned that the kneeling was painful, it really illuminated for me my need for a penitent attitude. I realized how reluctant I was to remain on my knees for ten minutes while my Lord was mocked, stripped, beaten, and crucified for me. I should be flat on my face rather than merely on my knees. So, one lesson I learned was one of true humility and repentance, not only in my soul, but in my physical body as well. It also made me appreciate the Word of God and be thankful that I have access to it on a daily basis. I was inspired and grateful to be able to read it whenever I wanted in my own language. Reflecting on the figures of the past who made this possible for me made me grateful for God's providence in providing leaders such as Luther and Calvin who recognized the needs of the church in their day. As a result, I am inspired by the reformers to never stop reforming my own church, my own generation, my own personal life as follower of Christ.