Why is Catholic Mass so bland?

[jrs88]

Well, a valid Mass can never be bland because Jesus becomes present in the Eucharist at each one. So, when you encounter more contemporary songs etc, try to focus on the Eucharist rather than the other things, since He is what it is all about.
This being said, I understand where you’re coming from. I plan on going to TLM’s much more frequently after our current pastor retires, since I love the reverence and beauty of them, and am sick of people “adding their own stuff” to the Ordinary Form Masses. I don’t think it’s wrong to find the TLM more reverent. So I think you should google search for a TLM near you.
Also I think the level of reverence the priest has makes a world of difference. My current priest is very reverent, he genuflects after the Consecration in a way that you can tell he is bowing to the One he loves more than anything. His Masses are beautiful. I’ve also seen priests just pop down and up, which I find very sad. With the TLM, the priest’s personality is less relevant (and I am not insulting the OF, the fact is that it’s just more obvious in the OF if the priest is less reverent.) So maybe look for a OF church with a more reverent priest. The OF can be very beautiful when done reverently.

 

[Chris_McAvoy]

The answer is because of the “liturgical renewal” and “liturgical movement” of the 20th century, as well as many historical factors, such as the reformation. Quite acomplex mixture of reasons. Scholasticism and humanism which were the roots of Protestantism took their toll on the mysticism of gregorian chant and its being superseded with complex polypony and more secular hymns over time.

Also the majority of the hierarchy in the USA was Irish-American and much of it continues to be. The Irish had their mass suppressed to be very low by the English who persecuted them.

…one could also blame demons…I know I do. It
But I do know that many of these influences are finding their end at the present time. A civil war of sorts is occuring to revive our more ancient orthodox practices even as many are indifferent to their great beauty and help to our salvation.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liturgical_Movement

yousendit.com/download/THE3aUNDOC9vQnRjR0E9PQ (An English Kyriale.pdf)

If this book had been mandated to be used by all bishops in english countries since 1973 we would have been led to a healthier direction.

The introduction of the improved 2008 ICEL translation of the Mass in Advent 2011 will be a positive influence in this direction.

 

[RosaryCrusader]

It may “seem” dull because what you’re describing is the ecumenical oriented Novus Ordo [NO] - a.k.a. ‘Catholicism Lite.’

Go to the traditional Latin Mass (High Mass) and you’ll feel right at home and see what the Latin Rite is truly all about.