We are having a bit of hot weather here in the heart of Texas, too. Of course, that’s not unusual for us.
However, most churches around here are air conditioned. I am constantly amazed by the number of teen aged girls clad in very short shorts and low cut tight fitting t-shirts attending Mass with their parents.
On the other hand, I suppose it’s better for them to attend Mass than not.
On the other hand, I suppose it’s better for them to attend Mass than not.We used to feel that way, but not as much anymore. We've noticed respectfully conducted Masses (whether TLM or Novus Ordo) almost always bring respectfully dressed parishioners. So I think it begins with the priest, and the rubrics that he follows.
If I see scantily clad women in church, I avert my eyes and pray,
“O Lord, I thank Thee for granting unto me, Thy humble servant, this heavenly vision of some of the beautiful things which Thou has made!”
(That’s an old Lewis Grizzard line)
Seriously, there’s a serious lack of reverence in dress at Mass. It’s made even more evident when we drive past the A.M.E. church where the black folks are going in dressed to the nines, right down to the smallest children, a far more appropriate way to enter into the house of the Lord.
I always feel so sorry for the men, including the priest, when those scantily-clad teenagers show up at Mass.
I don’t know about the men, but the ladies can wear a cool dress during the hot summer. That shouldn’t be an excuse.