Wondering about reasons for attending Mass?

[diet_coke]

I was reading thru these forums and I was wondering if some of you go to mass to listen to God’s words, or watch other people make mistakes?

 

[Pug]

I was reading thru these forums and I was wondering if some of you go to mass to listen to God’s words, or watch other people make mistakes?

It is more than just to listen to God’s words read from the ambo. I go to celebrate the liturgy. Like to offer the praise due to God and to celebrate the paschal mystery together and to receive what I need to carry out my work for God and to receive Christ in the Eucharist.

Familiar faces are nice to see, too.

 

[sojo]

I was reading thru these forums and I was wondering if some of you go to mass to listen to God’s words, or watch other people make mistakes?

Neither. I go to Mass to worship my Lord and partake of His body and blood in the Holy Eucharist. I enjoy listening to the Word in between keeping my son with disabilities as still and quiet as possible, but often I can’t really pay as much attention to it as I’d like. But our Father in heaven knows I’m there to express my love and devotion, regardless.

Other people’s mistakes??? I really hate it in myself when I notice that, and I try to quickly ask God to forgive me for being such a little stinker.

sojo

 

[thistle]

I was reading thru these forums and I was wondering if some of you go to mass to listen to God’s words, or watch other people make mistakes?

I know what you mean. It seems like many people’s main focus at Mass is trying and hoping to find abuses rather than be there to worship our Lord.

 

[Joan_M]

We don’t go looking for abuses. We are, however, entitled to an authentic liturgy. That means a liturgy celebrated exactly as laid down by the Church.

When abuses happen (and I am not talking about mistakes) they are obvious and offensive. We should not be tolerant about such things. Tolerance is not a virtue.

 

[diet_coke]

I was also talking about people who rather watch what other people are doing then watch the priest.

 

[Cat]

Good one! uch:

Because of these Forums, I am trying very hard to stop looking at other people during Mass. I don’t want to be like the people who are always finding fault and who “can’t possibly worship in such banal chaos.” I want to learn to worship in banal chaos, because that’s human life on Planet Earth. Silence, peace, no distractions–these are rare gifts in this life.

Chances are good that if I attended a Mass where absolutely no one distracted me with their skimpy tank top or ugly bermuda shorts or chest hair sticking out of their Old Navy t-shirt or their cellphone, I would probably distract myself with my growling stomach, gas pains, or an aching foot.

So why get upset with others when they act like me?

Mass is a prayer, and so I spend a lot of it with my eyes wide shut. It works really good and helps me keep my eyes on the Lord instead of others.

I agree, we are entitled to an authentic liturgy and when blatant abuse occurs week after week, we should go through proper channels to see it corrected. But sometimes I think that some people are on the hunt for abuses and get a jolly when they spot one! (Kind of like bird watching). I wonder if perhaps they carry “life lists” of abuses with them, and make a check mark whenever they sight an abuse.

Also, I think it’s sad that some people can’t appreciate any music except their own preference, and always think that the priest’s homily is shallow, and always assume that all the other parishioners are being irreverent when they receive Communion and always feel that everyone else is not dressed respectfully… ai yi yi!

I would suggest that people write down ten GOOD things about the Mass (other than the Eucharist) for every flaw they find. I do that, and it helps me not be an Eeyore.

 

[Holland]

I was also talking about people who rather watch what other people are doing then watch the priest.

I can’t think of a single person I know who would rather watch what other people are doing instead of participating in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Are humans weak and sinful? Yep! We do get distracted and if the distraction is a legitimate and serious liturgical abuse it can be spiritually painful for all involved. Sometimes we are distracted by some of the silly antics of the children. A couple of weeks ago a small boy sitting in front of me decided to lay on his back on the pew. He scooted to the end of the pew and then launched himself with his legs across the full length of the pew. Man, was he ever going fast and yes it was distracting. You might try to lighten up just a little.

 

[water]

Good one! uch:

Because of these Forums, I am trying very hard to stop looking at other people during Mass.

When comes to the Lord’s prayer, I close my eyes. whoever does what, I don’t need to know…otherwise I might be distracted.

 

[Katie1723]

I was reading thru these forums and I was wondering if some of you go to mass to listen to God’s words, or watch other people make mistakes?

Very astute observation. Personally, I go for all the reasons we should. As far as mistakes, we all make 'em, who am I to judge.

Kathy