Distraction at mass

[YehoiakhinEx232]

I go to a fairly irreverent mass and I have a real hard time focusing at mass. I’ve heard that when you get distracted at mass to the point that it becomes habitual that it’s mortally sinful, is that true?

What are the rules regarding being distracted at mass?

 

[Maximilian75]

I don’t know about any rules regarding distraction…
First of all, control what you can control. Turn off your phone. Sit in the front few rows, so you can only see the altar, and none of the distractions.
Regarding the irreverence or lack thereof of the Mass you attend… Frankly, it shouldn’t matter to you- it’s still Jesus, EF Papal High Mass, or OF lots-of-eucharistic-ministers guitar Mass. The Eucharist is the Eucharist is the Eicharist.

 

[Mattapoisett64]

What, specifically, do you define as “fairly irreverent?” Are you referring to the celebrant, the congregation, or?

 

[JamalChristophr]

Surely you jest, my good man. That’s like saying walking down the block with my shoe lace knowingly untied is mortally sinful.

At most, what you are talking about is an imperfection or fault. Sin always depends on intentionality. If I make up my mind to go through all the things I need to do next week and do this consciously, knowing that I should not be doing it at mass, and I’'m not even trying to curb it, then it’s a venial sin, but not more than that.

 

[YehoiakhinEx232]

The congregation.

 

[PaladinSword]

When you want to look at girls stare at the crucifix doesn’t always work but hey…

This is more difficult at holy hour cause I feel like they brush by on purpose.

Maybe not even human. Who knows…

And these are not rules more like guidelines… but a pirates life for me.

Edit: a very let’s say distracting young lady once told me something like keep your eyes on Jesus and everything will work out. Too bad for me because she was right… she is gone and he is still there. Probably for the best.

 

[Mary888]

And these are not rules more like guidelines… but a pirates life for me.

I also remember this pearl of wisdom from the movie. Not sure if that is true though… about the church… but you never know.

This is more difficult at holy hour cause I feel like they brush by on purpose.

Maybe not even human. Who knows…

Are you being chased by sirens you say? In a church?
Who let ém in…

 

[catherine98]

Voluntary distractions are sinful, involuntary are not and happen to all people who are not saints (says saint Teresa of Avila in her Interior Castle…involuntary distractions are common until one reaches 7th mansion). It is only important to try not to get distracted, and when you notice being distracted, just try to peacefully turn your attention to Mass.

 

[DarkLight]

Yeah, distraction isn’t a sin unless you’re trying to distract yourself.

I’m pretty easily distractable some days. Just do the best you can. Some days anything can distract me - I’ve spent one or two masses thoroughly distracted by the fact that the lady in front of me has a strand of hair falling out of her hairdo. And any children around me are of course an endless source.