Should I Stay or Should I Go?
by Vera Grant AMMM ireland 12.02.2025
I like going to Mass during the week. The chapel is much quieter, there are fewer distractions and I listen more attentively to the readings and to the homily. At times it feels like I am hearing something for the first time and am surprised that I had missed it before.Today I got up early, got myself ready and ventured out into the crisp, cold morning. Everywhere was covered in a sheet of glittering ice as the sun’s ray shone and sparkled on the frozen ground. It was magical.
I like the walk down to Mass, often I see familiar faces especially the dog walkers. We greet each other, walk on with each of us left in our own thoughts.
There were a lot of cars parked on the road which was the first indication that there might be a funeral or even a wedding but no, never so early in the morning, always later. There must be something on in the school.
Approaching the chapel gates I saw the hearse, back doors already opened. I stopped, unsure, should I go in and say a prayer before the service or should I go home?
I turned back, slowly and retraced my steps. ‘What do I do now?’ I said to myself. “I will go home and spend the time on the readings for today’s Mass.” And so I went back home and began reading.
The words jumped out at me –
‘Do not stay away from the meetings of the community’ Hebrews 10:22
I reassured myself, I couldn’t have gone in, I was wearing a bright yellow coat, it would have been disrespectful, and I didn’t know the deceased, or did I? I don’t know, I hadn’t gone in to find out.
What should / could I have done? What will I do when a similar occasion arises? So many questions after a decision to walk away!
‘Let us be concerned for each other, to stir a response in love’ Hebrews 10:24
Decision made. I will go in, offer my condolences and say a short prayer and exit quietly and unobtrusively or, if time allows, I could stay and be with the those who are mourning.
Feels like this was what I was meant to do today.
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