Cringing my way to Praise and Worship

If you had asked me a few months ago what my opinions on Catholic Praise and Worship were, you likely would have received some serious cringe faces in response.

Despite not having much first hand experience with the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, my traditional upbringing and naturally skeptical demeanor has always led me to steer far clear of any hand lifting / tongue speaking / 'Jesus' wailing behavior. I didn't have any sort of hard dogmatic reasoning AGAINST Charismatic worship, just a general feeling that any such displays in the name of Religion were for overly emotional expressive types. Or else Catholics who sorta just wished they could be Protestants. Or phonies. In short- NOT for me.

Growing up in my family, Religion was serious business. Make a scene in Church? Not even an option.

Especially not for anyone hoping to politely request post-mass donuts.

Religion classes were always a big part of my education, and I got a better doctrinal foundation before high school than most Catholics.

By the time I was rolling up to Steubenville's campus at the end of August, I knew how to talk the Catholic talk. I walked the Catholic walk, (with admitted detours and sidetrips,) as best I could. I knew how to sing like a Catholic- (silently mouth the words the choir sings.)

What I didn't even realize was that I had no clue how to worship like a Catholic. I couldn't even identify what it might feel like to actually WORSHIP something or someone. The idea of overpowering, intense, all-consuming love never crossed paths with my idea of "Religion."

That IS what it's about though. That is the kind of love Christ feels for us. You don't die for somebody because you've studied theological reasons to do so. Christ died for us because of the mad, passionate, perfect love He has for each of us.

If you're willing and open to it, that is what Praise and Worship can expose you to. A little taste of that love Christ feels for you, and chance to try and reciprocate your own imperfect version of love to Him.

It doesn't make you the perfect Catholic.

It might take you a little while to get used to it.

But there's nobody that it's NOT for.