Another aspect to keeping God as your number one priority is to respect Him. By this, I mean several things, first is to do your best to follow the 10 commandments without complaining, and to apologize when you fail. Honor the Pope and ALL of the Church's teachings and doctrines as directives from God Himself, because they are. Recognizing that the rules handed down by the Church are rules handed down from God for your own good. They are there to help you stay on the narrow path to sainthood. Remember this truth: individual people are imperfect sinners, but the Church is infaliable in it's doctrine's. Jesus himself makes sure of it, He has promised it, and He never fails to fulfill His promises!
Other practical and small ways to respect God is to not take the Lord's name in vain. The phrase "Oh my God" is one that is in way to wide a use these days. It is one thing to say it in response to shocking and devastating news, another when you are gossiping or mocking someone! Being faithful to God in the smallest matters, makes it easier to be faithful in the largest ones.
Another important way to show God respect is dressing and behaving appropriately at mass, and other Church related functions. You wouldn't wear flip flops and jeans to meet the president, therefore you should not wear them to feast with Jesus! The proper attire for attending mass is dresses for women and girls that are at least knee length, and that do not show the bust, back or shoulders; and dress pants (slacks or khaki's) for men and boys with at least a nice polo shirt if not a button-front shirt with tie. Also mind your shoes are clean and appropriate for the clothing choice. It is also still customary, to show humility before God, for women to wear a mantle, and it is inappropriate for ladies to cross their legs during mass. You should sit with your knees together and feet tucked under the pew. I get so angry when I see people, especially the alter helpers and song leaders wearing tank tops and flip flops. That is disgusting! Proper mass behavior is to follow the local Parish customs of when to sit, stand and kneel, to sing the songs, to shack hands, to listen to the readers and Homily with proper eye contact and mental focus, to bow before approaching the alter and Eucharist, and to not talk before and during mass. Before mass is to be used for inner reflection and to prepare yourself for receiving the Lord. During mass, all the angels are prostrated in prayer and awe, the least you can do is not chit chat about where to go for lunch afterwards!
It is also your responsibility to teach your children to do these things as well. If they are taught from the beginning what is appropriate dress and behavior they will grow into teen-agers and adults who respect God. Dress your kids correctly and teach them to behave properly right from the start. For my kids I have them following along, doing all motions by the end of first grade.
Other practical and small ways to respect God is to not take the Lord's name in vain. The phrase "Oh my God" is one that is in way to wide a use these days. It is one thing to say it in response to shocking and devastating news, another when you are gossiping or mocking someone! Being faithful to God in the smallest matters, makes it easier to be faithful in the largest ones.
Another important way to show God respect is dressing and behaving appropriately at mass, and other Church related functions. You wouldn't wear flip flops and jeans to meet the president, therefore you should not wear them to feast with Jesus! The proper attire for attending mass is dresses for women and girls that are at least knee length, and that do not show the bust, back or shoulders; and dress pants (slacks or khaki's) for men and boys with at least a nice polo shirt if not a button-front shirt with tie. Also mind your shoes are clean and appropriate for the clothing choice. It is also still customary, to show humility before God, for women to wear a mantle, and it is inappropriate for ladies to cross their legs during mass. You should sit with your knees together and feet tucked under the pew. I get so angry when I see people, especially the alter helpers and song leaders wearing tank tops and flip flops. That is disgusting! Proper mass behavior is to follow the local Parish customs of when to sit, stand and kneel, to sing the songs, to shack hands, to listen to the readers and Homily with proper eye contact and mental focus, to bow before approaching the alter and Eucharist, and to not talk before and during mass. Before mass is to be used for inner reflection and to prepare yourself for receiving the Lord. During mass, all the angels are prostrated in prayer and awe, the least you can do is not chit chat about where to go for lunch afterwards!
It is also your responsibility to teach your children to do these things as well. If they are taught from the beginning what is appropriate dress and behavior they will grow into teen-agers and adults who respect God. Dress your kids correctly and teach them to behave properly right from the start. For my kids I have them following along, doing all motions by the end of first grade.
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