“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5
Sometimes we think everything must be flawless to celebrate a holy and perfect Mass. But often just the opposite is true. I arrived early Sunday to St. John the Evangelist in Birchwood because I was the Sacristan and reader for Mass. I like to be prepared; I like everything to be flawless.
As I entered the church, I was told that there was no electricity; the power in the entire town was out and would be out for a couple hours. After a few moments of “now what?” I felt a little anxious, and maybe a little excited. Mass was going to look a little different today. Although it wasn’t completely dark, we would not have lights. We would not have a sound system; we would not have heat. I have a friend, who in these situations will say, “That’s OK, Jesus will be here.” And indeed, Jesus was!
The church upholds that Jesus is present at Mass in four distinct ways.
Jesus is present in the priest. Fr. Adam Laski was our celebrant, and he was excited to put on the altar as many candles as we could find. He chanted much of the Mass, so he could be heard, and he gave his homily in the midst of the pews. His spirit was truly joyful.
Jesus is present in the Word. The microphones were mute, so the Word truly needed to be proclaimed. It is easy to simply read the words of Scripture, but without a microphone, I felt like I was shouting out God’s word to the people. I will admit it was refreshing and yes, fun.
Jesus is present in the Eucharist. No electricity needed. The simplicity of bread and wine becoming Jesus should keep us grounded in the pure, in the simple, and in the awesome, but sometimes we make it complicated. By candlelight and with powerful prayers, the bread and wine became food for our souls. It was blessed, broken and given.
Jesus is present in the people. The people attending Mass at St. John’s radiated the presence of Jesus. I had a few concerns about dark bathrooms, an elevator that did not work, and the luncheon planned for after Mass. Would people complain? Would people leave? Would people be annoyed? Just the opposite unfolded. There was a strong sense of community, of helping, of lightheartedness, of joy. I was touched by the music; I could hear the collective yet unique voices of our musician, the people in the pews, and the voices of children! It was wonderful! We always have a lovely, kind and faithful community at St. John the Evangelist, but it took this jolt from the norm to heighten my awareness and stir my gratitude.
Mass was a beautiful celebration of love — God’s love present and vibrant. Following Mass, people continued the celebration in the dim basement, enjoying lunch and fellowship. Those providing and serving the lunch were not fazed by the hiccup of no power. As we were gathering up the leftover desserts, the lights popped on. There was a bit of a shout of relief, but I also felt a bit of disappointment. I enjoyed the morning’s reminder that Mass is holy and perfect, not because we make it holy and perfect, but because Jesus, the light in the darkness, is holy, perfect, present to us and through us. No electricity needed.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation.” Psalm 27
Pam Sirinek is retired from parish ministry. She is a member of St. John the Evangelist, Birchwood.
