Hold on Just a Minute

Please forgive me if I don’t hold your hand during the Our Father at Mass. It’s really nothing personal, and I’m not a germophobe who’s afraid of contracting the H1N1 flu or cooties. I know that many individuals have offered reasons why it’s good to hold hands during the Our Father, but to a certain extent, that debate is somewhat pointless. I’ve recently come to the realization that if Holy Mother Church thought it was important for us to hold hands during the Our Father, she would explicitly instruct us to do so. For, like any loving mother, our Church wants what’s best for us. And it’s certainly not my place to think that I’m smarter than the collective wisdom of our Church, and that I know a better way to celebrate Mass.

By the way, if you can wait just a minute or two after the Our Father, I’d be delighted to hold your hand, and perhaps even offer a hug, during the Sign of Peace. Growing up, my mother used to tell me “there’s a time and place for everything”. She was right, of course. So be patient; I’ll extend my hand to you when Holy Mother Church asks me to.