Last week, the Archbishop of Leon, Mexico, Jose Rabago, called on Catholics to dress modestly at Mass, emphasizing they should show respect for a church as the home of God.
Archbishop Rabago's appeal for proper dressing of church worshipers really applies to all Christian churches, not Catholic churches per se.
It is not unusual today to see women attending church services dressed in slacks, miniskirts, sleeveless shirts, and low-cut blouses. Likewise, some men wear shorts, sweatshirts, jeans, and sandals to church.
This kind of clothing should not be worn at church services, because they convey a disrespect -- or at least an indifference -- toward the Lord, as we visit His home.
I can recall some 50 years ago when many Christians reserved certain clothing -- such as new shoes -- to be used for Sunday church services only. In those days, there was a greater sense of individual humility and an unequivocal respect for God, while worshiping in His home.
True, society has, by and large, become more acceptable of a more casual "dress code" of its citizens during the past few decades. Nonetheless, that does not justify our dressing inappropriately while attending church services.
Indeed, in deciding how they should dress for church, churchgoers need to keep in mind that they are praying in the home of God, where what they wear must not be determined by their comfort or convenience.
Rather, the spiritual love, honor, and respect for God must transcend any other reason in determining how they dress for church.
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