Problems with Mass

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rsbsa

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I want to go. I get there and then I want to flee. There are times when I have to force myself to stay. Today it took everything I had not to walk out during consecration. Is this a sign that I shouldn’t be there? Does this happen to anyone else?
 
Do you have problems going out in public for other things?

Are you claustrophobic, or possibly agoraphobic?

We would probably need a little more info to go on.

I’m thinking demonic possession is pretty far down the list.
 
It’s a lie from the wicked one telling you that you shouldn’t be there. I have at times felt this and then I remember it’s a lie. Always remember that he was a liar from the beginning.
 
Dear friend,
I sense your perplexity of being at mass and not knowing if you really want to be there.
I’d probably decide beforehand if I wanted to go. If my answer was “yes,” then I’d go. I would pray to God while I’m there about being there. That prayer would no doubt take me out of what is happening during the Mass, but I think I would feel more comfortable. As I might need to leave, I’d make sure I sit in a place where my leaving is not so conspicuous. I might even step out and then, after time out, step back in. I’d turn to God in or out.
I will pray for you. If there's a friend you could go with, it might help. You are not alone.
 
twopekinguys said:
Do you have problems going out in public for other things?

Are you claustrophobic, or possibly agoraphobic?

We would probably need a little more info to go on.

I’m thinking demonic possession is pretty far down the list.
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I don’t have problems going out in public, but I do spend an extraordinary amount of time alone. I live alone and work from home. In percentage - yes, I’m a dork… :o I’ve figured 93% of my time is spent completely alone. But I often spend that time praying, reading scripture, contemplating etc. Occasionally I have trouble praying at home, but my biggest problems are Mass and Adoration. And my Adoration hour is private. So that is not a social issue.

I’m greatly bothered by this and don’t know what to make of it. I know that Church isn’t supposed to be about “feelings” - so I try to push through this but it’s very hard.
 
I assume you are not claustrophobic in other places? Try going into the Church early, - perhaps half an hour before Mass. Just sit and gaze at the Tabernacle, imagine Christ speaking to you, thanking you for coming to His feast, and thank Him for inviting you. Tell Him how you feel, that you want to stay but need to flee. Say a Hail Mary, and just sit quietly for a bit. Once Mass starts, follow along in the prayer book provided, if you don’t have your own, and loose yourself in what is happening. Just think, Christ, Himself, is inviting you to His supper. Take and eat, and be one with Him. How great is this!! He loves you dearly, He has created you to do something wonderful for Him, tell Him how much you want to love Him, but how afraid you are. He will understand, and if you are very still you will hear His voce in your heart. Keep praying, He hears you, keep listening, He is speaking to you. God bless you for your courage in doing what is so difficult for you.
 
Do you feel lonely at Mass? I’m just curious because of what you said about being alone.
 
rsbsa said:
I don’t have problems going out in public, but I do spend an extraordinary amount of time alone. I live alone and work from home. In percentage - yes, I’m a dork… :o I’ve figured 93% of my time is spent completely alone. But I often spend that time praying, reading scripture, contemplating etc. Occasionally I have trouble praying at home, but my biggest problems are Mass and Adoration. And my Adoration hour is private. So that is not a social issue.

I’m greatly bothered by this and don’t know what to make of it. I know that Church isn’t supposed to be about “feelings” - so I try to push through this but it’s very hard.
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Are you able to attend an adoration chapel ?

If being in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament is a problem for you, I’d suggest you talk to priest.

Jim
 
rsbsa said:
I want to go. I get there and then I want to flee. There are times when I have to force myself to stay. Today it took everything I had not to walk out during consecration. Is this a sign that I shouldn’t be there? Does this happen to anyone else?
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Yes, this has happened to me. In my case, it required deliverance for it to stop. No, I was not possessed, but I was definately oppressed. I would recommend making an appointment with your priest and talking to him about it.

Also, in my case, Adoration was never a problem for me, it was just Mass - especially the consecration - and confession that were really difficult.

St. Michael the Archangel,
Defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray
And do thou, oh prince of the heavenly host
By the divine power of God
Cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits
Who prowl throughout the world
Seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.

St. Benedict, Pray for us.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us.
 
Go to confession, start and end each day in prayer, read the Bible every day, go to Mass every day that you possibly can, and stop spending so much time alone.

That should fix you up! 🙂
 
This is not demonic oppression or something that you can’t explain. It happens to people who are either very scrupulous (terrified of God), very discouraged about their relationship with God (due to one’s sins or doubts) or very tired. All these situations cloud one’s mind and determine erratic behavior, so it would be useless and wrong to force yourself to add more and more devotions just to prove that you try hard enough. I had a constant tendency to sit at the entrance of the church or on the last pews, like the tax collector, when I was really desperate (past sins, impossibility to confess and receive absolution, my representation of a terrifying God) AND very tired. But I didn’t left; I stayed, I stopped comparing myself to other people (something that is very harmful when you see all the others as calm and righteous and you feel you aren’t) and I kept praying for enlightment, forgiveness, hope and peace. And I can tell you that today I’m a different person. Just be courageous, talk to God, don’t be scared of Him or of yourself and go on with your normal life. His door is always open for people like you and me - for all people.
Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks. Would any of you give your hungry child a stone, if the child asked for some bread? Would you give your child a snake if the child asked for a fish? As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give good things to people who ask.
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rbsa, I know from your other post regarding adoration that you spend a lot of time in prayer. What you said here about mass made me think of St. Faustina and how she struggled for a time with blasphemous thoughts during mass.

This could be many different things, and it would be best to speak with a priest about your life situation, your spiritual practices, and what is on your heart. Are you receiving the sacraments, i.e. confession and communion, regularly? If not, this will help.

This could be many different things, and a priest can help you sort through it. Maybe there is some unrepented sin and that is disturbing you. Maybe you are being tempted. Maybe you are going through a dark period like some of the Saints did. No matter what it is, it seems as if you being blocked from experiencing God’s mercy and love right now. The priest is there to help you sort through that.

Ask Mother Mary and the Lord to give you what you need so you can talk to the priest. God bless you.
 
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