Is Mass Boring? 7 Hidden Moments That Will Transform How You Experience It

“Mass is so boring!!  I get nothing out of it!” 

This is a refrain we have all heard at one time or another, sadly, from youth and adults alike. Perhaps you’ve even thought that yourself!  I hope this brief blog helps you to engage in the worship of God with greater awareness and gratitude. I'll clarify a few aspects of the Mass that are often overlooked that might help make that happen.

1. First and foremost, what is our understanding of why we attend Mass? Do we come solely out of obligation, with concerns we bring to God, thinking this is a “me and Jesus” prayer time? Or do we come as part of a community, wanting to thank and worship God for his love, mercy and goodness toward us?   Mass or Liturgy—means “public worship”—it is the most sacred group worship for Catholics, designed for communal, not individual, celebration. When coming to Church, are we mindful that we are gathering as a spiritual family to worship God together? That we are joining with our Catholic brothers and sisters to pray to God and to pray for one another. Mass is a WE thing, not a ME thing. (You gotta turn that M upside down!)   

#2.   Upon entering Church, we bless ourselves with holy water.  This simple gesture is meant to remind us of our baptism. When we were cleansed of original sin, the Holy Spirit came to live in us, and we became a part of this big family called the Catholic Church!  Your identity as a beloved child of God is reaffirmed by this single act before Mass even begins.  Awesome.  

#3.   “Let Us Pray” – These three little words are one big action!  They are said at the start of Mass, following the opening prayer. Listen for it!  At this moment, the priest pauses for a brief silence for us to bring to mind our intentions. Now the pause is brief, so you can’t pray in detail, so just lift your heart to the Lord with all it holds. 

The priest then “collects” all our prayers and offers them in a prayer to God as one community in Christ. It is actually called the Collect.  Listen to that prayer. It is for the intentions and needs of all those gathered, including yours.  

#4.  Before the Consecration takes place, the priest will add a small amount of water  to the wine. When he does, he prays quietly these words: “By the mystery of this water and wine, may we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity.”  WOW!!  Think about the meaning of those words!  The wine symbolizes the divinity of Christ, and the water, his humanity.  The incarnation.  And the prayer is asking that we share in the Divinity of Christ.  Each person at Mass with you is sharing in the Divinity of Christ. 

#5.  “Behold, the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world.” These were the words of John the Baptist when Jesus came to him at the Jordan.  (John1:29). As the consecrated host is raised, the priest repeats the same words as John. “Behold!”  It is Jesus’ REAL PRESENCE.  He looks at you, he sees you.  Although it is a long-standing custom to bow your head out of reverence, it is also encouraged to look up at the elevated Host as an act of adoration, as suggested by St. Pius X.   I am a looker, not a bower.  I want to SEE!   But this is up to every individual, as both are proper.

#6.  “The Body of Christ.”  “Amen.”

The moment has arrived!  Jesus – the living Jesus – is here for you.  Not a symbol, not just a piece of bread, but Christ himself.  And we simply respond, “Amen,” meaning it is so or I believe. Jesus is now totally one with you. This love for us is so beyond our ability to understand.  Share this intimate moment with Jesus by simply being with Him, in shared love, without requests or petitions—He already knows your needs. 

#7. “Go, the Mass has ended.”  These are not words we usually hear anymore.  Although that closing is still permitted, you will more likely hear:  "Go in peace to love and serve the Lord" or "Go forth, the Mass is ended".  The focus is on the "sending", reminding us that we are leaving Church to go and be Christ to others, to live our Catholic faith in the world – it’s not simply about leaving a building. “Go forth!”  

Oh, and “yes,” we bless ourselves with holy water on the way out!   Reminding us again of who we are and WHOSE we are. Not so boring after all!    

In conclusion, Mass is much more than your personal worship – we are praying with our Catholic tribe, our spiritual family.  We’ve come together to pray for one another, to worship with all the angels and saints in praise of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Alleluia!   Welcome to Church!