Worship

The Singaporeans are an obedient people. With that obedience comes the most wonderful faith. I am a huge fan of churches - any kind really - but I am fiercely loyal to my own.

I have had no problem finding my particular brand of worship in Singapore. The big dilemma is deciding which to attend. Some churches are old, some more modern. There are elaborate stained glass windows and humble crosses and the most wonderful fellowship at all of them. We attended the beautiful Novena Church for a 5PM recently. The church was packed - inside, outside, standing room only. The crowd walking to the metro afterward rivaled a crowd after a sporting event in the US. Amazing.

One beautiful thing about the Catholic faith is its constancy - the Mass is the Mass. There is great comfort in knowing what you're going to get. Kinda like a Big Mac, only better. It doesn't even matter if we can barely understand the priest on the altar (pretty much a given, actually) because we know the drill. There are a couple of key differences, tho.

Nobody touches at the kiss of peace. They bow. If you forget, people will dig around in their purse or pocket and unceremoniously wipe up with a kleenex.

Everybody wants to sit at the edge of the pew. If you want to sit down, and there is plenty of space, people move aside just slightly so you can clamor over the top of them. The churches are cramped and there is very little space between the seat, the kneeler and the pew in front. (the kneeler is always down. Always.) Nobody wears sensible shoes. American feet are big. You do the math.

There are no altar girls. Nobody apologizes for this. No women priests, no altar girls. Period.

Little kids are good in Mass. It is the weirdest thing. Even babies don't cry. If a kid misbehaves he practically draws a crowd of disapproving onlookers. Youch.

We are not 'led into temptation,' we ask not to be 'brought to the test.' I forget that every time.

My favorite difference though, is that these people sing. Not quietly and unobtrusively and self-consciously. They belt it out. Most everyone cannot carry a tune in a bucket, but they raise the roof. I find this delightful.

And you know what...I can't sing either. But I have taken to belting it out too. I figure what the heck. When in Singapore, Sing....