Freddy Sanchez - Church Visit # 2

Name: Freddy Sanchez
Church name: St John Cantius Church

Church address: 825 N Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60642

Date attended: October 30th 2016

Church category: Tridentine Mass  

As I walked in I noticed many things that were different than my church home. First there were many people kneeling in prayer and seeming to show a humbleness like attitude toward the service. I don’t think I have ever seen anyone kneel before God at my church. The room was very noiseless except for the priest, who whenever he spoke there was this echo-like sound that bounced from the walls. It was a very epic experience. People were not jumping around or raising their hands towards heaven at God like my church.  I also came to notice that everything seemed very planned in a meticulous sort of way. The Priest would whisper ever now and then, perhaps offering a prayer to God. Body language and hand gestures were frequently used between the clergy members indicating it was time to move into a different event. Bells were also being rung which was intriguing.

 I think it was very beneficial for me to have the opportunity to be at this mass service. I was able to see how this one mass was kept for generations of people while also experiencing its historical atmosphere. The rituals revealed the ancient traditions of my ancestors. The formality of the service revealed to me the ancients’ way of showing humility and meekness before our Creator. I have come to know that there has always been a reverence for God, however the historical figures appreciated it much differently than I think my generation does. The believers I have mostly come in contact with hail from experiences similar to mine. To know of the global variance in worship has shaped my thinking in how I am to approach God as my ancestors did. It has led me to seek more silence in worship. It has taught me that being still was in fact accurately displayed by these and ancient believers.

My personal identity has been uplifted through the service. It was so humbling to look at a new way of worship of the same God. As I knelt I felt a sense of peace rush over me. I then knew that kneeling before God is such an imperative way for me to worship God with all my heart, mind, soul, and body. Through kneeling and waiting, I take a position of helplessness. I am led to see God as the only One who can take away my sin and give me hope. Through bodily actions come spiritual actions. Kneeling was not separated from my desire from God, rather it was bringing us closer together through I God’s child being in a position of submission before his Father. It was also good to know that I wasn’t the only one taking part in this, but to know that believers from all over the world participate in this position in unison.