Monday, May 02, 2005
ASCENSION
We had our usual visiting priest yesterday for Mass. However, our pastor made an announcement before Mass. It seems that the American bishops disagree about how Ascension Thursday...ummm Ascension Sunday...will be handled.
Father listed the dioceses where we must attend Mass on Thursday if we happen to be visiting there. But if we remain at home on Thursday, we do not need to attend Mass on Thursday as Ascension will not take place until next Sunday in the Cleveland Diocese.
Now it occurs to me that our Bishop is so concerned that all will follow the same posture during Communion, that he issued a special teaching on this topic. When it comes to celebrating the great feast of the Ascension, however, he is not apparently concerned that all will not follow the same teaching.
One wonders if we condemn our soul to hell if we happen to be visiting a diocese that celebrates it on Thursday and neglect to attend Mass. Wouldn't it make more sense to follow the teaching of the home diocese wherever we happen to be?
I suppose it would be possible to actually miss the Mass at which the Scripture readings for Ascension are used if we happen on Thursday to be in a diocese that celebrates it on Sunday, and then find ourselves on Sunday visiting a diocese that celebrated it on Thursday. Conversely, it would also be possible to celebrate it twice, depending upon travel arrangements. I guess that won't matter so long as we stand and sing during Communion, focusing our attention on our fellow man while ignoring Our Lord who has just come to visit with us in the Sacrament. Strange, is it not?
Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!
