For most of us, “going to Mass” is a tactile and tangible experience. There is a sense of arriving at Holy Ground, a place set apart for the worship of God, where we encounter others who are sharing that experience. We kneel, we pray. We light a candle and reflect on its glimmering light. And as we gaze toward the tabernacle, we are reminded of the presence of God in our midst. Mass begins with songs and scripture readings, leading to the Gospel and homily, and then in wonder we gather as God becomes present in our midst in the Eucharist. Nourished, we are sent back into the world.
It is a vastly different experience than sitting on our couch passively watching Netflix.
As more and more of our liturgies over the next months will be seen on a screen as opposed to being experienced by our presence, how can we maintain some of those experiences of “going to Mass”?
Perhaps I can suggest three elements that can make our virtual experience ‘less virtual’ for us.
First, we can create a sense of Holy Ground. If we use our phones or tablets to stream Mass, perhaps we could choose a place in our home that we set aside just for that experience. We can have a copy of the bible there, or a crucifix or icon, and a candle that we can light. Maybe we can listen to a favourite hymn before the scheduled time as a way of centering before the live-stream.
If we use a computer, we can move off our work papers to be replaced by an icon or candle while we pray. They can then be set aside when our desk and computer returns to being a workspace.
If we use a TV, then perhaps choosing a different chair in a different position than our normal one will help us connect that this is not a normal time for normal TV watching.
Secondly, our Mass is one of movement and position … sitting, standing, kneeling. In as much as we are able to assume those postures at the appropriate time is the live-streamed Mass, we will be connecting into our body memory and deepen our sense of ritual. We will also be joining with our sisters and brothers who will also be responding to the movements if liturgy in the same way.
Thirdly … God is truly and really present in Gods word. While we will experience a spiritual communion during the Mass, we can honour Gods real presence in God’s word by preparing for Mass through reading the scripture of the day, or by reading the Gospel and doing a personal reflection after Mass.
We are living in a time of changing perspectives, which impact all areas of our lives- including our faith life. We have the ability and the opportunity to infuse our experience of the virtual Mass with elements that speak to our needs.