Again With The Repetition

Another bright sunny day in El Paso. I head toward the doors of the church and hear the bells ringing as it nears eleven o’clock. Around me people approach the same entrance with smiles on their faces. It is Sunday, the day of rest and a day to give thanks to our God.

Dressed in a mix of casual and semi-formal clothing, everyone fills the pews of the church. Some of the women wear dresses and long skirts, but there are also some dressed in jeans. The men wear slacks and a button up dress shirts. But, on the other hand, some wear jeans and a t-shirt. I've noticed that it seems to be the younger population who are dressed in casual clothes and the older age groups tends to be dressed in the more formal clothes.

The service starts and throughout the service, I again notice this pattern that we go through once again, which happened to be the title of my last blog post, “Sit, Stand, Kneel and Listen”. The repetition continues and I have a feeling that this is going to be a regular occurrence. Candles at the side of the stage burn down as the service speeds by. This shrine of candles, I learned from a Mr. Red Gal who I sat next to, represents the peoples prayers and their devotion to God. It is like an offering of thanks for answered prayers, or just a symbol that one is thankful for God and his works.

This week, instead of focusing on the works of how a service of Mass works, I focused more on the people who attend this service. I notice that there is a big difference between the age groups, just like the difference in the way they dress, as I mentioned earlier. The older age group seems more dedicated to the sermon and their focus is very strong. They pay attention and listen more to what is being said. They differ greatly from the younger age group whose attention seems to be in another place. The younger population seems more like they are off in another place. Their minds are wondering and they don’t pay attention too much.

I observe this one boy in specific. He seems to be around 14 years of age and he goes by Daydreamer. Mr. Daydreamer often glimpses down at his phone. But not for too long because he doesn't want his parents to see him. I notice that his fingers twirl around one another and he taps his foot, like he is impatient. I feel that maybe he doesn't want to be here. He frequently stares into space and snaps back into reality when everyone stands or when the crowd starts to sing.

The service ends and the church empties. On the way out, everyone is seen off by the preacher. He shakes as many hands as he can and thanks them for coming to the service. I shake hands with him and say see you later, knowing that I will return next week.