Sacred Routine

Maybe you’ve heard this one before:

A high-powered attorney from the big city travels home to help his retired parents in the small town where he grew up. It’s Christmastime, and while he is happy to assist with trimming the tree and decking the halls, his mind is still on that pesky case that’s waiting for him on his desk in his office at 1 Big-City-Towers.

While he’s there, he “accidentally” bumps into a woman with whom he went to high school (perhaps even the prom?) at the local coffee shop whose owner makes the “perfect scones” that you “just have to try.” As the story unfolds, we learn the woman is a close friend of his parents and a teacher at the local school (probably best if we make her a kindergarten teacher).

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of preparations for Christmas (did I mention that the lawyer might not be able to stay for that celebration?), the man and woman begin to grow close as they reminisce about the good wholesome times that they used to share in that sleepy little town. One Sarah McLachlan song later, and they are falling in love. However, he is torn now. That case in the Big City has the potential to raise him to a partner. His boss reminds him that there is still work to do and that he should get back ASAP so he can start that new job with more money.

At about 20 minutes before the end of the story, there is a misunderstanding – someone saw someone else with yet another person, or something like that – and there is trouble in paradise. However, one commercial break later, and a heartfelt conversation (probably in a twinkly-lit gazebo), and the two lovers come to a conclusion: Big-City-Lawyer Guy is going to stay, and he’ll set up a small practice in the sleepy little town where everything fits on the front of a Christmas card. The story ends with him and his love reading “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” to a room full of orphans.

Also, there is a dog somewhere.

Sound familiar?

I’m sure there are not a few people reading this who are bothered by my gross deconstruction of the predictable stories on the Hallmark Channel, but please, stay with me.

All summer long, Hallmark has been airing – again and again – its brand of feel-good love stories – even celebrating Christmas in July. Most husbands will agree – that’s not a time you want to be in front of the TV! However, the very predictability of the stories is actually a good thing – particularly in these chaotic days of coronavirus, political unrest, social upheaval and fear. We need something safe and sure in our lives, especially now. This is why I will plop myself in front of my TV and watch “Return of the Jedi” for the 756th time. I know what’s going to happen, and that is a safe feeling.

Routine gives a sense of security. It’s important, for example, for parents (of kids and pets) to establish a relatively predictable routine in order to help children feel safe and to trust their caregivers. The very predictability of life at many times is what helps society to continue to run smoothly. Sure, there are hiccups here and there, but the underlying desire of all of us is order and routine.

This is why Mass is so special for us. Think about it: we do, more or less, the same thing every time we come to Mass. We know that after an introduction we will sit and listen to Scripture; we know that the Bread and Wine are being offered, and the words of consecration are never different; we know to get in line to receive Communion, and to return to our pew and kneel. And when we “go in peace,” we usually know where to go. There’s a reason we call it the “order” of the Mass.

This is something that can sometimes be criticized by others. “Mass,” they might say, “is boring!” “We never do anything exciting.” “Why can’t Father swing in on a cable and wave a lightsaber around?” While that might be cool, it isn’t orderly, and it doesn’t inspire security and confidence. I can be entertained by the newest movie whenever I want – that can have surprise endings and twists; but I want to know that my interaction with God in prayer is dependable. Yes, God often surprises us; but that is only noticeable if we have a baseline of order and routine against which to measure.

We need order and a sense of safety – now more than ever. Mass and other elements of our faith help to provide that. Enjoy the routine!

Now, excuse me. There’s an architect on TV returning to her hometown and her car just broke down. I wonder what happens next…

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