There have been so many good replies. I have some additional thoughts. Does the Mass at your parish seem “alive” to you, or do the people seem to be going through the motions during the Mass? In some parishes, or at certain Masses, when the majority of people there don’t seem inspired it can kind of cause someone to “catch” that laziness. Pretty soon you wake up thinking going to Mass is a drag and you don’t know why until you get to the church and hear the choir singing like they would rather be sleeping!
When you go to Mass, no matter what anyone else around you is doing or what the vibe is, say the prayers with feeling and sing with your heart. I actually think this can help those around you to connect to God better too.
If you have something you can do that will inspire others, such as reading or singing, then it would be good to become a lector or part of the choir. But don’t do it just as a way to obligate yourself.
On days when I don’t feel like going to Mass (usually very rainy or very windy days because I use public transportation, which includes some walking), I watch Mass on TV through Heart of the Nation. It’s only a half an hour and sometimes the people seem to be just going through the motions. It’s kind of sad. But the good thing for me is that it leaves me wanting the real thing, longing to be in my church and really participating in the Mass. Also, when I participate at home during the broadcast and I hear my own voice say the creed, for instance, it really reinforces my belief and actually spurs me on to attend Mass the next week and join my voice with others. I think that watching Mass on TV is not a good substitution for attending Mass, but if you do miss Mass don’t let the devil get to you. At least put it on TV and follow along as if you are there.
