Mass excuses

David Ancell · #1 May 28, '04, 7:24 pm

I just thought I'd share a few thoughts about how to counter some of the most common "Mass excuses" (cop-outs for not going). Please post your own as well.

Excuse #1: The Mass is not relevant to my life.
How do you plan to change your life to make it relevant to the Mass? Our life is not the standard by which the Mass should be measured, but vice-versa. In other words, if the Mass is not relevant to your life, then it is your life, not the Mass, which needs to change.

Excuse #2: I don't get anything out of Mass.
Why are you so concerned about what you get out of the Mass? If you love the Lord, you will be grateful for the opportunity to give the Lord worship that is pleasing to him.

Excuse #3: There are too many hypocrites in the Church.
Ok, if you go to Mass, you will spend one hour a week with these kind of people. If you were to go to Mass every Sunday for the next 100 years, you would spend the equivalent of about 217 days with the hypocrites (less then one year). Contrast this with having to spend all eternity in Hell with them, and you see that you will do much better at avoiding hypocrites than if you avoid going to Mass.

Granted, I may not use these exact words if I have good reason to be concerned for coming across too harsh, but this is essentially the message I would convey.

David

srkbdk · #2 May 28, '04, 7:35 pm

If you Jesus was going to be at the football stadium next week would you go?

Why?

He is in the Church every day.

Now if they answer no to question one it is a different problem.

baltobetsy · #3 May 28, '04, 7:39 pm

David, number three is priceless.

Betsy

Fullsizesedan · #4 May 28, '04, 7:48 pm

A lot of folks just have a hard time getting into a suit on Sunday morning to sit on a hard bench and listen to a minister or priest.

I don't think that flagging church attendance is exclusive to Catholics at all, just part of the inattention(seems everyone is ADD nowadays, eh?) and de-formalization of American society.

Crusader · #5 May 28, '04, 9:42 pm

#4.) I don't have to go to Mass every Sunday. Vatican II changed that.

#5.) The Catholic Church in the USA has a special "dispensation" so we don't have to go to Mass every Sunday.

#6.) "Where ever two people gather..."

ChuckODonnell · #6 Jun 25, '04, 12:04 pm

More Mass Cop-outs

#7: Can't go, kids got a game and the coach would be mad if we miss the huddle.

#8: I will go hiking and enjoy God out of doors.

#9: All they want is money, money, money - thats what its all about.

#10: That stinky incense and mothball smell -- yuck!

Can't remember anything as good as #3.

God Bless

Big L · #7 Jun 25, '04, 1:24 pm

11. It conflicts with a fraternity meeting (late Mass) and I was out partying last night (Sat. night and Sun. morning Masses).
12. I was just too tired.

13. It's Super Bowl Sunday.

14. Just as long as I go on Christmas and Easter, I'll be fine.

iguana27 · #8 Jun 25, '04, 1:40 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChuckODonnell

#8: I will go hiking and enjoy God out of doors.

Our priest had homily about this. He said that the main problem with this is that no one actually does!!!! He went on to say that we need the community to keep us faithful to our commitment to spend time with God.

It is a good idea to notice when your friends are not at Mass, and give them a call and tell them that you missed them. It could open up their hearts.

If you don't have any friends at your parish, it would be a good reason to make some

.

God Bless,
Iguana

DrCat · #9 Jun 25, '04, 4:41 pm

15. God will understand.

16. I'll go this afternoon. (Hey, I've used this one before -- knowing I'll be too tired to go

.)

John

ChuckODonnell · #10 Jun 25, '04, 9:21 pm

17. I have too many sins. I'll wait till I get to confession first.

18. We went this week already.

19. Its raining and I will get wet (happens a lot in the Northwest).

Fullsizesedan · #11 Jun 25, '04, 9:25 pm

"17. I have too many sins. I'll wait till I get to confession first."

A pretty valid excuse, if true. Theologically, Catholics are not supposed to attend if not in a state of grace.

John Higgins · #12 Jun 25, '04, 9:29 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fullsidesedan

Theologically, Catholics are not supposed to attend if not in a state of grace.

Not actually, Catholics are not supposed to receive the Eucharist if not in a state of grace.

John

Panis Angelicas · #13 Jun 25, '04, 9:32 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Ancell

Excuse #3: There are too many hypocrites in the Church.

To this I always respond, "Wow, it's lucky there are no hypocrites in the bars, grocery stores, movies, or where you work, or you'd have to stay home altogether!"

Pax Christi. <><

Fullsizesedan · #14 Jun 26, '04, 5:07 am

Not actually, Catholics are not supposed to receive the Eucharist if not in a state of grace.

Technically speaking, you are of course correct.

But since its such a faux pax to attend and not receive, it is probably better for them to not attend at all, lest their non-reception be interpreted as disbelief.

Panis Angelicas · #15 Jun 26, '04, 5:32 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fullsizesedan

...since its such a faux pax to attend and not receive, it is probably better for them to not attend at all, lest their non-reception be interpreted as disbelief.

Well, if give the choice between committing a faux pax or a mortal sin....I'd chose the faux pax!

Pax Christi. <><