Today is Christ the King

Today is Christ-the-King. And it would be for me, the very first solemn Corpus Christi I have had in many years. Or in my entire life. The weather wasn't angry this morning, so I had a cause to be joyful. All through last week, it felt like winter and her demons; fierce icy winds had just been released from their domain. So they splashed eagerly, blessing Texas with their brassy presence.

Of course mass was gentle and somber. It always is. The homily was simple and timely, and the choir of five persons, each representing a distinct voice type, was melodious. I shifted my weight from one foot to another in discomfort, resolving not to stand again. Some make standing look so simple; choosing to stand piously when there are unoccupied seats. The church was never divided into sections; of christian fathers and christian mothers. Families stayed together, couples stayed together. Children too knew how to be reasonably silent. Husbands had their hands on their wives' backs; rubbing gently once and again. hmmn. As long as America is free, we are romantic people.

It was to me, too gentle; in a way I have never known church to be. There's got to be some activity somewhere, some gossipy chat somewhere, some loud noisy hallelluyah. Are there no thanksgivings ever - don't they have something to be grateful for? Even if it's a puppy that just survived some heart surgery or a cat that was no longer naughty. Thanksgivings! That used to be a time of mass to look forward to - a long line of excited worshipers, dancing their way up the aisle in groups- hips swinging, sweat running, bearing praise and testimonies and gifts - all the way to the altar. Then kneel for blessings and generous sprinkling of holy water from the priest.  I pondered on some things we were always grateful for - results not seized, safe travels, surviving armed robbery - things that happen because we are the way we are. Things that shouldn't have happened if we did things right.

Do they know it is Christ the King

I miss the way we have it back home,. It was the most theatrical and interesting festivity. The lengthy procession begins right after mass: the Priest bears the blessed sacrament in a monstrance, surrounded by knights and a long unending line of Catholics marching and singing loudly - proclaiming the universal kingship and authority of Christ, sometimes over a very long distance- not minding the dusty air and heat or the speeding vehicles by the side. People had to be woken from their slumber, the streets had to know this King and this sacred age-long tradition. Of course the return journey was never as exciting as the going - tired worshipers moving home, gulping water, energy spent.

Do they know it is Christ the King

They know. But in this part of the world, the law wouldn't care who your God is, what your noise is about, if it creeps into your neighbor's ears, if it creeps into the public ear. In no time, you might be singing them hallelluyahs from a cool cell. The good thing is, you have the rights to an attorney, and to many other good things.