Why the Mass isn’t meant to entertain

Jan 10, 2025

“Is the Mass boring?” It’s a question many people think but hesitate to voice. Some even say it out loud, comparing the Mass to modern worship services or entertainment events. In their hearts, they might wonder, “Why can’t Mass be more exciting?” This perception isn’t uncommon, but it’s also worth asking: what if the Mass isn’t supposed to entertain us at all? What if its purpose goes far deeper than we realise?

The Purpose of the Mass
The Mass isn’t a show, a concert, or a motivational seminar. It’s something far more profound: an act of worship. At its heart, the Mass is a representation of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross. It’s about giving glory to God, not entertaining people.

Modern culture often conditions us to expect stimulation and spectacle — fastpaced events, catchy music, and inspiring speeches. Sometimes, we might even think worship is about how much we “feel” God’s presence. We sing, we engage, and at the end, we might say, “I felt God today.” But notice the subtle shift — this statement becomes about us and how we feel, not about God. Worship is ultimately not about what we get from it; it’s about what we give to God.

The Mass calls us to a different rhythm. It invites us to step away from the distractions of daily life and enter into a sacred mystery. Think of the Mass as a family meal. It might not be flashy, but it nourishes your soul. You don’t attend Mass to consume entertainment — you attend to be part of something bigger than yourself.

The Beauty and Silence of the Mass
Many people miss the quiet beauty of the Mass because they’re expecting something loud and dramatic. But the Mass isn’t about spectacle; it’s about presence. Silence is a key feature of the liturgy, offering sacred pauses before the readings, after Communion, or during the consecration. These moments of stillness are not empty — they are invitations to reflect, pray, and encounter God in a deeply personal way.

The readings, prayers, and hymns, though simple on the surface, are rich with meaning for those who listen. The Gospel is a direct message from Christ to us today, and the consecration is the most sacred moment when bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. It’s in the quiet, reflective spaces of the Mass that we hear the "still, small voice" of God. The beauty of the Mass lies in this balance: the words and silence together create a profound spiritual symphony. If we’re only looking for the loud, exciting parts, we might miss the delicate grace of the softer notes.

Why Structure Matters
One common critique is that the Mass feels repetitive or overly structured. But that very structure connects us to centuries of tradition and billions of Catholics worldwide. It’s a ritual shared across time and space, uniting us as one Body of Christ.

The predictability of the Mass isn’t about dullness, it’s about grounding us. It’s a chance to participate in something timeless, something that doesn’t change with trends or fads. While the world around us constantly demands novelty, the Mass offers stability.

Imagine revisiting your favourite food stall in a neighbourhood you grew up in. The menu hasn’t changed, the taste is just as comforting, and the atmosphere is familiar. Isn’t it that sense of consistency that makes you keep going back? The Mass is like that — it anchors us in something eternal and unchanging.

The Priest and the Eucharist: A Sacred Encounter
At the heart of the Mass is the Eucharist, the “source and summit” of Christian life. During the consecration, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ, making the Eucharist a direct encounter with God. This sacred moment is made possible through the priest, who stands in persona Christi — in the person of Christ.

The priest isn’t just a facilitator or organiser of the Mass; he represents Christ Himself, especially during the consecration. Acting as a spiritual bridge, the priest brings the community’s prayers, hopes, and needs to God while making Christ’s presence tangible through the Eucharist. This profound reality reminds us that the Mass is not merely a human gathering — it is where heaven and earth meet.

It’s easy to overlook the significance of the Eucharist and the priest’s role in the routine of attending Mass. But together, they reveal the depth of God’s love and the invitation to participate in this divine mystery. What could be more meaningful than encountering Christ Himself in the Eucharist, made present by the priest’s sacred role?

The Call to Active Participation
Sometimes Mass feels “boring” because we attend passively. The Church calls us to be active participants, not spectators. Singing the hymns, reciting the prayers, and engaging with the readings can transform our experience.

Yet, many feel shy about participating. Some might think, “Others are singing, so there’s no need for me to join.” But participation isn’t about how good our voice is or whether others are already involved. It’s about offering our unique presence to God.

As St Thérèse of Lisieux beautifully said, “Do small things with great love.” Even the smallest gestures — responding with the congregation, quietly offering your intentions, or simply focusing your heart during the prayers — become acts of love and worship when offered to God. Every voice, every prayer, and every gesture matters because they reflect the unity of the congregation coming together as one Body of Christ. Your participation, however small it may seem, is an act of worship and a personal encounter with God.

Mass as a Reflection of Life’s Reality
Life isn’t always exciting, and neither is faith. The Mass mirrors this reality. It’s not meant to distract us from life’s challenges but to prepare us for them. Its steadiness teaches us patience, perseverance, and gratitude for the ordinary moments that shape our journey. In a world that craves excitement, the Mass reminds us that some of the most profound experiences come through quiet reflection and consistency.

A Challenge to See the Mass Differently
If you’ve ever felt bored at Mass, it might not be the Mass that needs to change — it might be your perspective. The next time you attend, try to pay attention to the “why” behind each part of the liturgy. Focus on the readings and how they apply to your life. Take a moment during the consecration to truly reflect on what’s happening: God is coming to us in the Eucharist.

The Mass isn’t about us being entertained; it’s about us offering ourselves to God. It’s a two-way encounter, where we bring our hearts and lives to Him, and He gives us His very presence in return.

A Timeless Encounter with the Divine
Yes, the Catholic Mass may not look or feel like a blockbuster event, but maybe that’s because it’s not meant to be. It’s something far deeper — an encounter with the divine. The beauty of the Mass is in its timelessness, its reverence, and its ability to connect us to God in ways we might not fully understand.

The next time you find yourself thinking, “Why isn’t this more exciting?” ask yourself instead, “Am I open to seeing the beauty beneath the surface?” You might be surprised at what you find.

(Thomson Emmanuel Wong is a parishioner of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Klang)