Mass suspended!

It is easier for the earth to exist without the sun than without the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass!

– Padre Pio

Well that may just be put to the test. What if Mass is suspended and nothing happens? The skies don't blacken. Demons don't storm out of hellmouth and take over the world. What if everything is business as usual? Suppose you can't tell the difference? 

This is another crisis for the Catholic church. I've been joking with friends about how the Vatican needs to authorize communion condoms so that the faithful can safely take communion on the tongue. 

But humor aside, it's pretty amazing that public masses have now been suspended throughout Italy. The hierarchy is sending a clarion message about its lack of faith, and the dispensability of this central sacrament. Logically, they should trust in God to protect faithful communicants. Yet they're afraid to take the risk in case the gamble doesn't pay off. But if you can't bet on your own religion...