By Matt Miller, Director of the Office of Worship
It is safe to say that the old phrase “putting on your Sunday best” does not have the same meaning that it did 50 years ago. Anyone who has ever watched an episode of “Downton Abbey” can see how formality has changed even over the past 100 years or so. For better or for worse, culturally, we have become much more casual in what we wear, be it to a wedding, the office or the gym.
And also to church. But we would not put a trip to the grocery store or football practice on par with coming to Mass, would we? Some things we do ought to call for more attention, more preparation on our part, especially for those who would be serving at the Mass in some way as a reader, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion or other public role. Here are a few points for those serving in liturgical ministries (and also those participating in the pews) to consider when getting ready for Sunday.
Outward Sign of an Inner Disposition
Mass on Sunday is the most important thing we do. The “Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy” tells us it is “the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; at the same time it is the font from which all her power flows” (No. 10). It is where “the work of our redemption is accomplished” (No. 2). Coming together to celebrate that act which frees us from sin and death should be the first priority on our schedule, not last.
We should not treat this as just another errand on our already busy calendar of Sunday activities or as a box to check on the to-do list, both in how we prioritize the time and how we prepare and present ourselves for it. If this is something important to us, we express that outwardly by giving it pride of place on our schedule. If this is important to us, we express that outwardly by what we wear.
In a “business casual” world, think about how someone stands out when they wear a suit and tie to work. You know something is up, that they are doing something different. Do they have a job interview? Are they meeting someone important? Whatever it is, it warranted them doing things a little differently.
Now this does not mean that everybody should start wearing a suit and tie to Mass. But, what we are doing when we come together for Mass is important to us. It is “out of the ordinary.” Shouldn’t we express that in some way that is distinct from other activities, that shows that this matters to us and demonstrates to others (like our children) that it is important?
For the reader tasked with proclaiming God’s word — does how you present yourself reflect your love of God expressed in the scriptures? For the extraordinary minister who assists in distributing the Body and Blood of Christ to his people — does your dress correspond to what you are doing, who you are giving in Holy Communion? For those participating in the pews — did you prepare as if this was the most important thing you will do this day?
It could be deciding to wear a pair of slacks instead of shorts. Maybe it is a dress or pantsuit in place of sweats. The goal is not to show off — modesty and humility in all things. You are a beloved child of God. Our dress should be guided by this fact.
There is the saying that God does not care what one wears to church, and there is some truth to that. He wants you, and he wants you there with your brothers and sisters on Sunday. God does not care what you wear. But you should.
Matt Miller serves as director for the Diocese of Evansville Office of Worship.