The True Joy of Traditional Catholicism

Earlier this month when I wrote on my transition from the Novus Ordo to the Traditional Latin Mass, I was met with some opposition. I cannot even begin to comprehend why Catholics choose to put down and corner other Catholics for how they choose to live as a Catholic, especially those who try to adhere closer to the orthodoxy of the faith. 

I received a lot of great support, and yet some accusations. Someone claimed that there was “no joy in the Latin Mass”, they suggested that the parishioners are too rigid and “into their faith”. I say, praise be to God if we have Catholics who are truly practicing all that the Catholic Church teaches. Let me tell you, there is so much joy in the Traditional Latin Mass. The joy that fills my heart and soul at Holy Mass is nothing like I had ever experienced before at the Novus Ordo.

Joy isn’t always shown in laughter, touchy-feely emotions, or dependent on your after-mass conversation. Rather, true joy in the Catholic Church comes in knowing how privileged we are as Catholics to be Catholic, to belong to the One True Church founded by Jesus Christ. True joy comes from receiving the Eucharistic Lord in the state of grace and recognizing the immense love our Lord has for each of us. 

If we are simply attending Sunday Mass for the “joy” that comes from the after Mass conversation in the gathering area or parish hall, we are attending Mass for all the wrong reasons. We are doing more harm to our soul when we go to Mass for the people and not for God. We must come to Mass wanting to find the true joy that only Christ can give us through grace. 

Before accusing the Latin Mass of being “dead”, “rigid”, and “not joyful” I say come truly and see for yourself. Come and pray with us. Live the faith of Jesus Christ in your life daily. Take up the cross. Act charitably. There, that is where true joy is. Joy that is from the world, from small talk, not Christ centered is not true joy. True joy is following Christ’s plan for our Eternal Salvation. By attending Holy Mass, living the faith, and trusting in God, we only experience a small portion of the true joy that Christ has promised each of us with our Eternal Reward. 

May we, through God’s Mercy, come to find the true joy that only He can give us.

Written by Seth Ball
This article does not reflect the views/opinions of the Diocese of Fort Wayne - South Bend.