Hindrance: Sentimentality

How would such doing look had it been left to the religious sentiments if not downright sentimentalities of the pious? To have an idea, we really should examine some of the devotional leaflets. Everything would be extremely wordy and moving, the fearful and gruesome aspects of suffering would be stressed wherever possible, Jesus’ love would be the constantly reiterated theme. A pious importunity would accost Him, praise and pity Him, place all sorts of touching phrases in His mouth. The texts of the missal speak quite differently. They are clear and concise. Their tone is that of profound emotion, dignified and controlled.

Romano Guardini, Meditations Before Mass

Guardini was writing before Vatican II so the idea of focusing on extreme suffering is not accurate anymore. Instead what we have is extreme sentimentality swung in the other direction, on the loving Jesus with songs that spend a lot of time patting ourselves on the back for being followers and participants in his ministry. Regardless of the example, his point about sentimentality is right. It is not sentiment but is a semi-manufactured and indulged desire for emotion that can cloud our vision.

I'm really enjoying my slow journey through this book. You can read it here online.