Attending Sunday Mass while traveling can be burdensome, but seeking out local churches and participating in Mass with the locals has become a delightful experience. It's a precious time that allows for immersion in local culture while also providing peace and comfort amidst the potential for theft, wariness of strangers, and the fatigue and tension that can come with travel.
Last October, she went on a free trip to Tokyo without any plans to visit a church. However, She was not familiar with the subway system, so the journey from the airport to the hotel was not easy, and she was already exhausted upon arrival. The difficulty at the trip's start made her decide to go to church.
The 12 PM Sunday Mass at the Tokyo Cathedral was conducted in Korean. Due to the impact of COVID-19, there were few worshippers, and everyone was seated apart. She arrived just before the Mass started and, not knowing the distancing rules, sat next to an elderly female parishioner, which made her feel uncomfortable. Also, although there were kneelers installed, the space between the front and back seats was so wide she wondered how to kneel and pray.
During the offertory, the parishioners did not go up to the altar but instead put their offerings into a cloth basket on a long pole, similar to European churches. The most surprising thing was that the parishioners did not move during Communion. The reason for the wide space between the front and back seats was that the priest would come directly to the parishioners to distribute the Eucharist. The parishioners received Communion standing in their places. She was not sure if this method was developed due to COVID-19, but it was new and impressive.
In Korea, as well as in other countries, parishioners usually go up to the altar to receive Communion. They prepare their hearts and approach the altar.
She has experienced receiving Communion standing in a circle during retreat Masses or small-scale Masses, but it was unfamiliar yet refreshing for the priest to move around distributing the Eucharist to parishioners in their seats in a not-so-large church. It made her feel the presence of Jesus, who came down to us, and reflect on humility.
In modern society, humility is not considered a virtue, and without boasting or showing off, it's difficult for one's value to be recognized. It's hard to find humble people in a world where self-promotion is common, and it's often tiring to be among those who boast about themselves. In our society, competition and achievement have become important virtues, and people who boast about their wealth and power or exude confidence are seen as attractive and positive.
However, her experience in the Japanese church was an opportunity for self-reflection and made her think about the church's 'outreach service'. The prayers offered by parishioners who visit the homes of the bereaved were a sincere comfort during a time of grief. Recently, when her mother was suffering from a chronic illness, she requested the Eucharist for her, and the priest, along with the parish leader and other parishioners, visited her home to pray for her. When she thanked the priest, he said: "It's what we ought to do."
When we demand kindness and service from priests, religious, and parishioners, they can suffer from emotional fatigue like many others in society. Nevertheless, she believes the Catholic Church should actively seek out those who are marginalized and unable to come to church and offer comfort and support to them.
In times when people justify the reduction of welfare as efficient and when hatred towards the elderly, disabled, and women is legitimized, she hopes the church will actively explore its role and responsibility to seek out and comfort the marginalized and correct social discrimination and prejudice.
