Topic: emotions at mass

[henrikhankhagnell]

Pax et bonum!
There is a common problem: people feel very emotional at Mass/Divine Liturgy. Some people feel like crying, expressing anger or other emotions. What should poeple do?

[biro]

I have often been moved during the Consecration, or other times, to the point where I'm almost in tears. I try to turn this into a (quiet) prayer of gratitude.

[henrikhankhagnell]

I have often been moved during the Consecration, or other times, to the point where I'm almost in tears. I try to turn this into a (quiet) prayer of gratitude.

not crying?

[biro]

Well, in the church I attend, I can't take Communion yet. I try to remember the Lord's love for us, and to see that is why there is Communion, and so thank Him for it.

[henrikhankhagnell]

Well, in the church I attend, I can't take Communion yet. I try to remember the Lord's love for us, and to see that is why there is Communion, and so thank Him for it.

but you can cry?

[FormerReformer]

Many of our saints were known to tear up during liturgy.  It's seen as a gift.

[Ioannis Climacus]

There is something known as holy tears. Read this by St. John Climacus (http://www.orthodoxchristian.info/pages/Prayer.html), he makes references to tears in prayer. I even recall a saint that cried so much his eyelashes fell out, so crying in prayer is definitely Orthodox.

That said, the vast majority of emotions expressed by people at Divine Liturgy are not examples of holy tears. Rather they dwell on their own sensations to further induce these feelings. If you are ever blessed enough to be granted this gift, don't dwell on the feelings - use that time as one for greater repentance.

[FrChris]

I hate it when '...the incense smoke gets in my eyes, and gets them all red and watery.' But since people are depending on me to stay on task, I (and other folks similarly affected) have to keep on working through the feelings in question.

[HabteSelassie]

Greetings in that Divine and Most Precious Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Pax et bonum!
There is a common problem: people feel very emotional at Mass/Divine Liturgy. Some people feel like crying, expressing anger or other emotions. What should poeple do?

Go with it in the spirit of dignity.  Mass is place of solace and consolation.  People bring their real lives into the Liturgy, with all the pain and baggage that necessarily implies.  In fact, one the precise functions of the Liturgy is to help us let go of our pain and baggage.  People should run the gantlet of their memories and fears which hurt them so that they can find the true healing which comes from God alone.  We go to the Divine Liturgy to quite frankly meet God, what else should we do with our fractured lives when we meet God, ignore them?

It is a matter of reverence and dignity, perhaps folks shouldn't be rolling around in grief on the floor or shedding hysterical tears, but why should we expect people to suppress their emotions when the Liturgy moves them one way or the other, as humans heal through letting it out with the trust that God is there cooperating in the healing process, and where is God if not at the Divine Liturgy?

stay blessed,
habte selassie