One of the problems with us, as humans, is that if things aren’t super entertaining or if they are an obligation, we do them half-heartedly and with little focus.
“I mean, I’ll do it, but don’t expect me to get anything out of it.”
The Mass often gets accused of not being “fun.” It’s not uncommon for people to leave the Church, lured away by churches that are focused on entertaining the masses.
Because if it’s entertaining, it must be better, right?
I’ve always amazed myself at my ability to focus on NOT being present for something that is important, yet put me at a concert or a football game and, boy, I can be laser-focused on the moment for as long as need be.
Put me at Mass sometimes, and I can start to do my grocery list in my head, think about what I need to get done the next week, wonder about some gossip I heard, etc.
It all boils down to my lack of discipline. Because when has a grocery list or a to-do list for the following week ever been that thrilling? Never.
I think of Simeon and Anna in our readings today for the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple. Day after day, they were there spending hours in prayer and worship. Were they entertained? No, most certainly not, but they were engaged.
They made the choice to be present for God and to give Him time and attention. Did their minds ever stray? I’m sure they did, but it was worth it to them to keep at it.
Not everything in this life will be entertaining, Catholic Pilgrims, and usually the most important things won’t be. But, we need to show up and be present, engaged, and focused, especially when it comes to the Mass.
We will find that if we do, we will be rewarded with blessings we couldn’t have imagined, just like Simeon and Anna were rewarded.
Have a blessed Friday.
