I don't question the Faith.. I question the ways..

I am a proud catholic... not a traditional one but I believe in Catholic teachings and I have faith. I was born and raised in Catholic faith. I have an aunt who is a Sister now and an uncle who almost became a Priest. I live by Catholic teachings and I believe.

Every year my family participates in various lenten activities such as Holy Wednesday Procession, Visita Iglesia and Salubong... However this year, due to conflicting scheds, we were only able to attend the pre-easter mass to salaubong to easter mass event... It was a 3 hr long overnight celebration.

Being me, I've seen many weird and grandiose celebrations already and it takes a lot to surprise and wow me.. but I must admit that last night was the most unconventional mass I've attended ever.. And it wowed me.

It started simple enough.. Fire coming down from the rooftop to light up the year old palaspas.. Blessings.. Prayers.. Nothing out of the ordinary.. Nothing until we entered the Church..

There were interpretative dances for each reading and for each mass song.. Lets not forget the firedancers dancing with real fire and those cheerleaders being tossed from time to time. It was one big concert. I dunno if other churches do it too but the eccentrities of it all amazes and worries me at the same time.

Its a new way of introducing God to people. Its the modern way and as I've mentioned earlier, it is entertaining. I applaud the creative brains behind that because it takes courage and a lot more to introduce that to people. The all out preparations and presentations are worthy of applause and cheers. It is extravagant performance for an extravagant celebration, the resurrection of Jesus Christ... But I cant help wonder....

I remember one anecdote in my theology class where in Jesus said "this is a place of worship and not a market place..." --- And all thru out the mass, I was thinking.. This is a place of worship and not the fairgrounds..

So in last night's mass, I cant help but ask myself.. Is this a place for cheerleaders and firedancers to perform? Who are we showcasing? Jesus Christ's resurrection? Or the dance presentations? Don't the presentations distract the people from listening to the readings? Is that their goal? Provide distraction to test the people's focus and resolve?

I am not questioning the Parish's ideas or whatever, and I think it works or whatever because the parishoners numbers increased and it kept them awake despite the late hour... It kept them entertained.. Good job there..

I just hope that during the mass, the mass goers were all focused and listening to the readings sincerely with all that shenanigans going on at the same time, because forgive me Lord, I know I'm not.