SOME people I know who are catholics are ranting and raving about a dress code announcement that the church came out with last week.
The announcement reminded churchgoers to be conscious about what they wear when hearing masses. On bulletin boards at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, and I would assume, other catholic churches here in Puerto Princesa, posters with sketches and outlines of “what not to” and “what to” wear were dispatched for all to read.
Personally, though I am not a catholic, I find the dress code reminder fair. I see nothing wrong with it. You can’t be overly fashionable (not even fashionable, I think) when attending church masses. How can one wear short shorts inside the church, or backless, or spaghetti-strapped dresses, or jerseys, or very, very suggestive tank tops?
Some may argue that faith does not depend on the way people dress. I agree, faith depends on our relationship with God; if we have already accepted Him as our personal Lord and Saviour. Besides, there are many people who can’t even afford to buy clothes. They’d rather have something on their table than buy clothes to wear. And they attend church sometimes in tattered clothes, simply because they don’t have enough money.
But please, you don’t go to church and hear the gospel in your see-through spaghetti strapped dress. If you’re decided to go to church, and you prepared for it because it’s God’s special day, then dress appropriately. Don’t go because you want to brag your svelte figure, or attract attention by wearing something that shows off your sexy legs than your faith. It would be disrespectful to do this. I’ve seen many women attend church as if they’re going to parties or to the beach. I’ve seen men who look like they’re going to play basketball because they’re wearing their jerseys.
The church, whether it’s a Christian or a catholic, is God’s home. If you’re attending mass, make sure it’s your real purpose — to hear the words of God — not because you want some male hormones to jump up and down there, or because you feel comfortable wearing your team’s outfit.
People really need to be reminded when they’re being forgetful. Don’t take offense, it’s just a reminder.
It’s true what they say: “batu-bato sa langit ang tamaan wag magalit”
