From a reader:
I attend the Extraodinary Form regularly. I noticed yesterday a man using a tablet as his Missal. I’m not sure what to think about this.
My own thought is that a tablet also can (and does) display immoral pictures and words even “accidentally” as it is used for other purposes at home etc. Should something which “allows” this to occur have a place in Church? I’m conflicted. Your thoughts?
A hand-held device is just a tool. There is nothing good or bad about it in itself.
However, our prevailing impressions about these devices has not completely shifted yet, especially for people who are older. When we use them in church, some people of a certain age may think you are “playing” with the thing, instead of using it. That could scandalize and distract them. It seems to me that we should avoid using them a great deal during Mass, even to follow readings.
A better approach could be to familiarize yourself with the readings before Mass, so that you can listen to the actual words of Mass with attentive interior participation and active receptivity, even when they are in Latin. This applies also to the use of hand-missals. Yes, I think people should have hand-missals for the Extraordinary Form, and bring them to Mass, and consult them when appropriate, but that they should do their homework, churchwork, ahead of time as well.
The hand-help device also presents other problems. If you use a book, you have only the content in the book. A hand-held device can bring in just about anything. When used in church, it would be best to have the device on “airplane mode” (unless you are a doctor on call, or someone who must be reached in emergencies), and then have the content already downloaded to your gizmo before Mass begins. Don’t run the risk of inadvertent distractions. Don’t run the risk of truly scandalizing a neighbor even by an “accident”. Don’t even allow yourself the temptation to stray outside of the moment of Mass and your full, conscious and active participation by surfing around or checking your messages, etc.
I think we should use the devices sparingly when in church during the sacred liturgy of Holy Mass.
