(Don't) Come as You Are

Is there a relationship between the lyrics of the songs we sing at Mass and the way people act and dress for Mass? When I go to the Traditional Mass, people are dressed respectfully and conservatively. The hymns are all traditional, sacred songs. There is much reverence displayed, both by the people and by the priests.

The Novus Ordo I attend has a different atmosphere. People are much more casual, both in their dress and their actions. There is lots of talking before and during Mass, and the prayerful atmosphere of the traditional Mass is lacking. The choir is the centre of attention, and they are positioned right up front, as close as they can get to the sanctuary, without actually being in it.

So how does this connect with the lyrics of songs? Take the chorus for "Come as You Are." Doesn't it just encourage you to take a lax attitude to salvation? Songs like this totally ignore Christ's clear instruction that repentance for one's sins is necessary for salvation.

Chorus:
Come as you are
Don't change a thing
Open your heart
He'll walk right in
Come as you are
No alibis
His love for you
Will never die

This song, like many others that are in wide use in our Churches today, do nothing to inspire one to reverence and holiness. We need humility, reverence and repentance. Piety is reflected both in the way we behave at Mass, and in the way we dress. We need sacred surroundings to inspire us to holiness. A prayerful attitude and appropriate dress are both indications that we are aware of the full meaning of the Mass, and that we are less likely to be a cause of distraction to those around us. It's no coincidence that more and more people are being drawn to the Mass of the Ages. It fills the spiritual void that the modern Mass has left in our souls.