Posted on 08/22/2011 10:38:07 AM PDT by markomalley
These occasions are not limited to the Catholic Church, unfortunately.
That’s the problem when you invite people into the church with the words: “Come as you are.”
So they’re coming in chewing gum, unshaven, wearing shorts and flip-flops, in T-shirts emblazoned with a “Heineken Beer” sign or worse, and the priest is quiet about this display.
Attended a Confirmation ceremony. Many of the female teenagers were dressed as if they just bought their clothing from a ‘Victoria’s Secret’ store. I was embarrassed for the bishop. He said nothing and neither did the parish priest.
How I long for the days of pre-Vatican II.
Looking at girls and having lustful thoughts, is really a sin?
I have experienced this situation at my church. I find my eyes wandering as the sermon drags on. God certainly created beautiful women creatures. Just a peek?
Two stories:
At my former parish (NJ), I was seated in the second row. A young mother sat in the front row with her infant. Her clothes were such that any time she bent over (kneeling, sitting, etc.), her “tramp stamp” was visible.
At my former parish (rural AZ), the bulletin always had a message about modest dress, including a message about no shorts or sandals. I frequently wore shorts and sandals because the temps outside were frequently in the 100s and while the church was air conditioned, we still had to get back in our cars for the 20 mile drive home.
Something to think about ...
Ukrainian Catholics (at our church) observe the proper dress code, tie and jacket, no bare shoulders. When people drift away from it, there is always gentle reminder where they are and proper respect.
It is sad to see some people coming for the mass in torn shorts, “NJ Devils” Tee shirts, or like they just got out of the bed.
While they would dress up for restaurant, they don't have time to dress for an hour of worship of our Lord in thanks for all we receive!
Brides find out very quickly that if they wish to be married at the Cathedral Basilica St. Louis they are not allowed to have bare shoulders. I don’t know that all parishes follow that lead but I’m glad that this one does.
Would Christ have denied His message to anyone based on the way they were dressed? Would you? Isn’t it better these girls be in church dressed inappropriately than not in church at all? Sounds to me like the complainers need to spend more time asking for help with their lustful thoughts and less time judging the admittedly iffy fashion choices of others.
On another occasion, a different young woman gave a solo while wearing a pencil skirt that was so brief that everyone in the front rows could see her panties. The same girl often attended services while wearing a see-through top over a barely-there minibra.
In both cases the pastor spoke to the parents and was sternly rebuffed. The father of the see-through blouse girl admitted that he had no control over what the girl wore to church and that his wife would take her side if he forced the issue.
I suppose I should just be happy that these girls wore underwear.
Doesnt Christ Himself encourage us to come as we are?In fact I believe there are at least 2 instances of people coming to Christ totally naked.Why,,there is even an early prophet described as preaching naked.Is the sin,in our dress?Or is the sin in how we view the person through our sinful eyes?Sounds like someone needs to remove the log from thier own eyes first.
If you were going to meet an earthly King, you would most likely dress in an appropriate manner. When people go to meet the King of Kings at Mass they dress like they’re going to meet the Kings of Leon.
TTIUWP
At the Carmelite monastery we frequent, the sisters have no qualms about giving a shawl to someone like this and they asked me years ago to make a wrap around brown skirt in case someone comes in with shorts or a short skirt. They present these items with love, explaining with a smile that Jesus is present and the virtues of modesty.If they want to come in the shapel they must cover up.
Obviously, times have changed.
At the Carmelite monastery we frequent, the sisters have no qualms about giving a shawl to someone like this and they asked me years ago to make a wrap around brown skirt in case someone comes in with shorts or a short skirt. They present these items with love, explaining with a smile that Jesus is present and the virtues of modesty.If they want to come in the chapel they must cover up.
At the main cathedral in the Plaza de la Catedral, there are signs in English and Spanish advising that men must wear long trousers, and womens' blouses should have sleeves. Since I never wore long trou while off duty, I never got inside the Catedral.
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