The Atheist at Mass

It’s Sunday morning and I have my daughter by my side. We are sitting in a pew at Catholic service. That is right the atheist is at Mass. For the third time sense Ash Wednesday I am watching a ritual of religion that does not deviate from the routine worship. 

My little girl is all smiles and joy. She tells me her favorite part is where we greet others and say “peace be with you”. Ironically that is one of the parts I dread. While wishing peace to others is a wonderful thought, secretly I am uncomfortable. My reasons for being at Mass are slightly different than those around me. 

For roughly an hour a week I have alone time with my daughter. She is being exposed to another part of the Christian faith that she has not been previously. This experience has opened a new world to her. Being able to compare and contrast the differences she knows of I am surprised about how well she understands the rituals.

Sitting at my side or on my lap she holds my hand, and gives me hugs. This is her time with her mom. As we go to our knees she sits in between my legs and either pretends to play the paino or she looks up and smiles at me and talks about the light shining through the stained glass.

She admires the man hanging on the cross, I am perplexed by it. 

So what is this atheist doing in Mass you ask? I am taking this time to reflect and meditate. Admiring my bond with my daughter. 

I may not believe what is being said, but I still find beauty in portions of it. 

My plans are to continue taking her to Mass through Easter. At which point we will switch  churches and allow her to be exposed to other branches of the Christian faith. As time passes and she becomes older we will begin exploring the other faiths. 

So to my Catholic friends, thank you for greeting this atheist with smiles and open arms.