Seven Ways to Get More Out of Mass

FB Smit offers ideas for getting the most out of Mass, even when we don't feel motivated to attend.

When we’re less enthused about the Lord’s Day than usual, here are seven ways to get something out of Mass: 

Behold the Crucifix 

Many of us are desensitized to the agony and horror of the crucifixion. Because its semblance hangs over us every Sunday at Mass, we hardly notice or even think about it. 

To pinch oneself out of desensitization, locate the crucifix. Behold Jesus on the cross as if for the first time. Feel the nails, His pain, His strain to breathe.  

Imagine Him looking at you, so parched. “I thirst,” He says. 

Even if it’s for one hour, slake His thirst. 

Pray 

Pray before going to Mass, rather than wait until you get there. 

Many parishes have study groups that read and discuss the upcoming Sunday readings. When we engage in this way, come Sunday, the readings feel warmed up and worn in, not stiff like new leather. 

For an added boost to the Liturgy of the Word, practice Lectio Divina (divine reading) with the upcoming Sunday readings. An ancient form of praying with the Scriptures (usually the Gospels) stimulates discernment. Busted Halo offers a beginners guide to the Lectio Divina format.  

Ask God to help you enjoy the Mass, to receive what He has for you. With expectant faith, watch and listen for the movement of the Holy Spirit.  

Know your Search Criteria

What does getting something out of Mass even look like? 

When history tells me to expect a less-than-wow homily, I get more attentive, clinging to every word of the priest or deacon, opening myself to God’s message.  

If my mind wandered during Mass or the homily, I ask my family what they got out of the readings or homily. Their thoughts and insights rescue me from my distracted, wandering mind (bonus for parents with children at home). 

Are you looking for more inspiring music? Attend a different Mass that has a gospel or folk choir or a LifeTeen band, and SING! Check out a Latin Mass or an Eastern rite liturgy. 

Practice Discipleship 

Getting better at anything requires practice and training. Ask any athlete, spelling bee winner, or anyone who has worked hard to achieve a goal. 

Saint Paul says, “Run so as to win.” (1 Corinthians 9:24b) 

To win, training is everything.  

For what are we training?  

I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14) 

Training requires discipline. The root word of discipline is “disciple.”  

Mass and the Sacraments are training grounds for the fitness and stamina to carry one’s cross (with joy), and for the attunement to recognize and know the Eucharist as the "source and summit of the Christian life." (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1324)

As you put together your Sunday to-do list, don’t give yourself the option. Train whether you feel like it or not with your active engagement. Think, I’m running a race and I’m not even out of breath!  

Express Gratitude 

Our faith was built on martyrs and underground gatherings where lives were at risk. In many places in our world, lives are still at risk for those who practice the faith. Here and now, we go to Mass without threat to our lives.  

Eucharist means thanksgiving and this meaning remains even if we feel less than thankful, no matter how strong our feelings. 

Let’s change our perspective from "HAVE to" to "GET to." If we don’t feel grateful, we can pray for the grace of gratitude.  

Get Involved   

A church feels more like a home when you get to know and care about the people in your community.  

When I went to a Christ Renews His Parish (now called Welcome) weekend and got to know the pains and joys of those in the pews, I felt the warmth of my Christian community.  

When a Bible study group is a part of my schedule, the words from Scripture feel more relevant and alive. 

When I served as a lector for a time, and practiced the readings before Mass, the readings never spoke to me as much as they did during my time at the ambo. 

During my stint as extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, never did I feel as close to Jesus in the Eucharist. 

"For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve." (Mark 10:45a)   

When you serve, you get more. 

Treat Each Sunday Like It’s Your Last 

I never knew the Mass I attended in March of 2020 would be my last for an unknown period. Because of the pandemic lockdowns, it was my last meal, in a sense. If I had known it would be my last Eucharist, I would have somehow, someway appreciated it more. During my time in exile, how I missed and longed for this source and summit of our Christian life! 

You never know what tomorrow will bring. Let’s make the most of Mass. 

Surely, there are plenty of times when priests don’t feel like celebrating Mass. Thank God they do anyway. A bit of effort, involvement, and prayer helps. 

Most of all, never give up trying because remember, Jesus, the Eternal Lord of all things, hung in there for us until His last dying breath. 

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