On a weekday I was led to hear Mass at the chapel mall. I was attentive so unlike my behavior during the Sunday masses in the same chapel. I joined Emil at one of the front seats. Clearly my intent was to be truly present at Mass. I was taken aback when the young priest momentarily withheld communion from me while he gently muttered instructions. I had to quickly decipher what he wanted me to do. I didn’t want to delay the other communicants lining after me.

As I type this, I can’t remember whether the instructions of the priest were in English or in Pilipino. I remember distinctly that I said “Amen”. But he insisted that I say “Amen”. My rebellious and critical self wanted me to walk out on him. But I remembered I couldn’t scandalize the holy devotees attending Mass on a weekday. From observation and from my own practice in the 90s, daily Mass goers are the gatekeepers of the Faith!

Emil, I sensed, was also upset. Come to think of it. The priest was strict towards women; the woman before Emil was treated in the same manner as I was. Perhaps, I had gotten too used to receiving communion from the Eucharistic ministers on Sundays I failed to learn the changes in rituals if any. Continue reading →