Griping About Mass: A Humbling Story

This Saturday is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a feast day in the United States of America and a Holy day of obligation for Catholics to attend Mass.
 
Since this Holy day of obligation falls on a Saturday, it essentially means that Catholics must attend Mass twice in one weekend to satisfy both the Holy day and Sunday obligation.
 
This infographic provided by Old Fashioned Girl explains the various scenarios in which one would satisfy both obligations.  
 
Unfortunately, there are those who gripe about attending mass twice in one weekend.
 
While I usually try to refrain from blog posts such as this, a reading from my 'Give us this Day' daily devotional sparked this entry.
 
I understand there are many people who do not gripe about attending Mass twice in one weekend and that there are many who attend mass daily.
 
(Also, there are those of us who want to attend mass each day but are unable to due to personal reasons.)

So who am I speaking of that griped about going twice in one weekend?
 
Me. 
 
Yes, me.
 
I griped. 
 
Before you start the canonical process to have me excommunicated, allow me to explain.

This pregnancy has caused some new, surprising and exciting (note: sarcasm) side effects.  While the daily nausea has subsided, it was quickly replaced by carpal tunnel syndrome.
 
While the pain comes and goes, when it comes it is excruciating, debilitating and can't be alleviated.  Leaving me to rely almost 100% on my husband and mother to accomplish the simplest of tasks.
 
When the pain subsides, it leaves a constant ache that, like the pain, can't be alleviated.  Since I am pregnant, I am unable to take medications that will help reduce the pain and can only rely on ice and wrist splints that I have been wearing almost 24/7.   More to come in a later journal when my hands hurt less to type.
 
So, when I recalled that this Saturday was a holy day of obligation, I griped.
 
Then, as usual, I was gently reminded to suck it up and deal.   The gentle reminder came after I read about Saint Crispina, a Saint that I had heard about before but clearly needed a refresher on her history. 
 
St. Crispina was a wife and mother of several children in Africa.  She was arrested for being a Christian and in December, 304, she was put on trial before the proconsul of Theveste.  During her trial she was ordered to deny Christ and worship false gods.  St. Crispina refused. 
 
“The proconsul told her she could either live a long life, or die in agony before being beheaded. Saint Crispina told him, “I would thank my God if I obtained this. I would gladly lose my head for the Lord’s sake, for I refuse to offer sacrifice to those ridiculous deaf and dumb statues.” 
 
She was then “ordered to be executed by the sword.”
 
“Saint Crispina said, “Thanks be to God, Who has deigned to free me from your hands.” She made the Sign of the Cross and stretched forth her neck to the executioner.”
 
To read the full record of Saint Crispina  (which I pray you will), please visit: https://oca.org  ​

Saint Crispina is not the first, nor is she the last person killed for professing the Catholic faith.  There are many, many people who have been persecuted and killed in the name of Jesus Christ.
 
Reminding myself of this makes the most severe carpal tunnel pain that I have endured seem like a scratch.
 
Here are just four examples of those killed or persecuted in present-day:
 

• "China Police Kidnap Catholic Bishop", CNSNews.com
• "The Desperate Plight of Catholics in Vietnam", CatholicNewsAgency.com 
• "Two Priests Among 15 Killed in Attack on Catholic Mass", CruxNow.com 
• "Philippine Priest Killed While Preparing Mass", NCROnline.org

 
We are blessed in this country, beyond measure, to be able to attend mass whenever we please.  We can attend mass each day at various times of the day.
 
So while I was ashamed at first about griping for having to attend mass twice in one weekend, I hope my humbling experience inspires you.  I pray that Saint Crispina and the endless others who have died or been persecuted in the name of Jesus Christ inspire you to not only live out the Gospel but share the Good News with as many people as you can.
 
As, St. Pio of Pietrelcina said: "If we only knew how God regards this Sacrifice, we would risk our lives to be present at a single mass."
 
So, share that with someone you know.  Invite them to attend mass with you.
 
 As always, thank you for reading.  Please visit and like me on Facebook!  God bless you and may the Blessed Virgin Mary be with you always!
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