This week, as it seems that this is a good point to continue a series, we will be looking at how to focus at Mass. I often hear that people struggle to focus, daydream, and get distracted at Mass. That's ok! We are only human, and we should do the past we can; even I get distracted at Mass!
At the same time, what are we doing to avoid distractions and daydreaming? Are we fighting against this? Or is it everytime that we come to Mass we intentionally drift off and daydream as we don’t really want to be here?
The first place we ought to start is going back to the great St. Charles Borromeo that I wrote about a couple of weeks back: “Another priest complains that as soon as he comes into church to celebrate Mass, a thousand thoughts fill his mind and distract him from God. But what was he doing in the sacristy before he came out for the Mass? How did he prepare? What means did he use to collect his thoughts and to remain recollected?”
If we want to remain focused during Mass, the first and key thing we must do is prepare for Mass! If we just show up, right as the priest is processing up the aisle and we leave right after communion (which is a big no-no…) how well have we entered into the greatest mysteries and the greatest prayer of the Church? Have we truly come to encounter Christ or are we just here checking the box?! Just like you prepare for a big meeting or you stretch before you work out, it is crucial to prepare and recollect ourselves before Mass. Sometimes we aren’t able to do this due to different circumstances and that's ok, but if we have the ability to, why would we not? If you want some helpful suggestions on how to prepare well for Mass, see last week's article on this topic.
Another good thing to do is to follow along by reading the prayers and scriptures that are being said and proclaimed by the priest and lectors. Instead of letting them passively go by, pick up the book in the pew and follow along. This can be a great way to engage and not space out once we sit down or while the priest is reciting some of the longer prayers. Reading along and praying them silently is an excellent way to enter into and pray the Mass. If you would like to sign up for a Magnificat or Give us this Day reach out to the parish office. This is a great way to pray the scriptures at home and follow along with the Mass every day.
As a way to take in more of the incredible homilies you hear from us clergy, bring a notepad to take notes in. If something strikes you that you want to take to prayer later, write it down and return to it! At the end of the Homily and before the Creed, in the moment of silence, make a resolution for the next week on something that you took from the homily and want to apply to your life to strengthen your relationship with Jesus.
After Communion is another common time to get distracted. As we have so many people who come to Mass at Prince of Peace, Communion takes a while. After receiving Jesus in the Eucharist is a great time to talk with Him! Ask him for help in the things you need help with, talk to him about the previous week or the upcoming week, talk to him about your joys and struggles. After receiving Jesus in the Eucharist, that is the closest you could ever be with him! Take advantage of that moment! When you return to your pew, it is a good custom to kneel, but if you pray better sitting, or what I call the half and half: half kneeling half sitting, then do so! Whatever is the most conducive position to pray in, do it! Just do not talk to your neighbor…this is the time to talk with Jesus within you!
Peace,
Fr. Andrew