Dress Code for Church
I don’t repeat a column very often but someone asked me if I could run the one I wrote on the proper dress code for church. I couldn’t recall it, but I did look it up and found that I wrote it back in June of 2017. Where some may remember it, others may be like me and forget what I ate for breakfast this morning. Thus, running the column again might be a good way to refresh our memories on how we should prepare to celebrate Mass.
“Now that summer is here, it might be a good time to review proper attire for church. No, I am not thinking of some code made up by old Mrs. Sourface who is always looking for something to complain about. Rather the code I am referring to comes directly from the scripture—from the letters of St. Paul; for when he was asked what the proper attire was for a Christian, here is what he said:
“’Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another. If one has a grievance against another, as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.’” (Colossians 3:12-17)
When we come to worship God, we should present ourselves in the best way possible. In his day, Paul advised women not to wear showy clothing, fancy hairdos, jewelry or makeup. He also offered advice about the length of hair on both men and women. Where the customs may change, the point was that Christians should let modesty and humility serve as their guide in choosing what to wear. However, it is also clear that what we wear on the outside means nothing if we don’t first clothe our hearts.
So when you come to Mass, be sure to put on your kindness. It might help you move over for that late arrival rather than have him or her climb over you. Take the time to put on patience. It will help you be understanding when the child next to you becomes antsy. Make sure your thankfulness is showing. It will help you be grateful even when you can’t hear the reader or the music is not to your liking. What Christ most wants from us is not a change of clothes, but a change of heart. In that way, we show a true respect for God.”
Thanks to all who helped or participated in the Corpus Christi procession last Sunday. It is certainly a beautiful and prayerful way to celebrate the feast day of our parish.
Father Jeff
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