When I Don’t Know it All

When you think you know everything, you get schooled. You are quickly reminded that you don’t!

Have you ever attended a special church event or a class without being familiar with the ceremony, content, prayers, or songs? As a cradle Catholic, I must say that I have and still do.

Last year, I walked into daily Mass at my parish, and as I did, some parishioners were finishing the Rosary. I joined in until a few prayers at the end were added that I was not familiar with. Then I sat quietly listening to the words.

It’s awkward not to be able to respond, sing, or recite prayers that everyone around you knows. I wonder if I missed that day in religion class, or if I was daydreaming again?

In that humbling moment, I think of how others may feel when coming to Mass for the first time or after being away for a long time, or how children may feel as they learn the prayers and rhythm of Mass.

Bishop Robert Barron recently commented on a podcast that he doesn't have the St. Michael the Archangel Prayer committed to memory.

It’s fun to discover and learn, but why do I let my ego get in the way?

When I was a teacher, we had ongoing classes called Professional Development; maybe in church, we should call it Pew Development.

I need more Pew Development!

Have you ever had these kinds of moments in church?