It is just an opinion mind you, but I think some people tend to see themselves as the primary reason for the Mass itself. Since they want to feel good about themselves, because after all they are good people, they don’t want to have anything that really distracts from that experience. For a lot of them, not all mind you, this is not an attack, just an observation, the Mass is their opportunity to show off if you will. To many of them Mass is for the glorification of the congregation itself rather than the glory of God. Mass is a place to relax, socialize, have a good time, maybe put on a show etc. They don’t want to hear about sin or suffering or penance or anything at all like that. No mean spirited or judgemental homilies or doctrines.
I have heard Catechism teachers talk about the Eucharist and say that the congregation is the Eucharist and without the congregation participating fully, the Eucharist does not exist . In essence, you are the Eucharist and so is the person beside you. So since the Eucharist is the body of Christ, guess what? Thats right, you are Christ, so worship yourself as well as the person next to you.
I hate to have to say that but in a lot of parishes, it is true.
