When Mass Feels like Going Through the Motions

The Karate Kid didn’t know waxing a car would teach him karate, but Miyagi knew. In a similar way the Church, in her wisdom, teaches us certain motions-kneeling at Mass, making the sign of the Cross, etcetera-so we may learn the deeper virtues that will lead us to holiness. In this video, Fr. Mike encourages us to keep going through the motions, if that’s all it feels like we’re doing at Mass, because it’s in times of desolation that our faith grows the most.
Fr. Mike is also a presenter in these faith formation programs from Ascension:
Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God (bit.ly/2vQgGRx)
Chosen: This is Your Catholic Faith (bit.ly/2nCKKLK)
Altaration: The Mystery of the Mass Revealed (bit.ly/2vG9KX2)
YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body (bit.ly/2raspVB)
Get 18 of Fr. Mike’s best Ascension Presents videos in this exclusive DVD from Ascension:
Ascension Presents … Fr. Mike Schmitz (bit.ly/2sKUnJN)
Fr. Mike spoke at the Ascension Cafe during the World Meeting of Families. Watch him and other speakers get fired up over the gospel in the Ascension Cafe DVD (bit.ly/2sYtQaW).
MORE FROM ASCENSION:
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[@andreaarmstrong1829]

"Forget about your heart, duty comes first, but, when doing your duty put your heart into it. It helps" - St Josemaria Escriva Loved it!!

[@Zeero3846]

Sounds like an older variation of Mike Rowe's, "Never follow your passion, but always take your passion with you."

[@jerberus5563]

I just happened to read this comment in the moment he spoke it. XD

[@mistyviolet3825]

Perfect ✅

[@johnsmit5999]

Thank you for sharing this. I remember a Scripture that says not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord. The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him. Oh, how we need the Spirit to open our eyes and keep us from just another session of going through the motions. God bless you!

[@jonathanl2748]

Bravo! That was well said. Thanks.

[@theclapaolini4322]

More on the mass Father Mike l think the world needs this talk because sometimes the body language is. WHEN DOES THIS END AND CHECKING YOUR TIME PIECE WHAT EVER YOU USE , HAS ALL THE ATTENTION.PEOPLE WILL BE ENRICHED EACH TIME WITH THESE HELPS THANK YOU AGAIN

[@Marlowann]

Hey I’m gonna be that guy that suggests the Latin Mass for the sake of seeing where the motions in the Novus Ordo come from

[@PaulPaullus]

...the recitation of the Holy Rosary can be more reverent and penitential when Jesus Christ is sought after and 'included' with greater intensity....for example; when reciting the Glorious Mysteries rather than just saying: 'The Ascension' a more personal manner is to state 'The Ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven'.....recite 'The Ascension of Jesus Christ into Heaven' before each of the 10 Hail Mary prayers...invoke the name of Jesus Christ whenever possible during the Rosary recitation...describe the Mystery with respectful PERSONAL detail...rather than 'The Agony in the Garden' state 'Jesus Christ Prays Alone, At Night, In The Dark After Instituting The Sacraments Of The Holy Eucharist And Ordination While Judas Is Betraying Him And His Diciples Sleep'...sounds like a lot to recite but that is what makes for a GOOD Rosary recitation....increasing the detailed description of the Mysteries is totally personal and makes the Rosary recitation unique with you and the Blessed Virgin Mary.....Read more Show less

[@ewaldradavich7307]

Like an old movie. Just theater. Very little scripture & mostly poor sermons

[@rosemarymaher6726]

Arriving earlier to prepare for mass by leaving matters behind,quieten our minds, and coming into the presence of the Lord is something I think we could all benefit from

[@mistyviolet3825]

Yesssssss

[@jerberus5563]

As the organist for my church, I feel closest to God when I'm performing for mass. Those motions that I go through give me joy. This is why I worship God in the mass through song and prayer.

[@mage1966]

I find that music helps me worship better too. Thank you for sharing your gift.

[@catherinedurant7806]

Hi my Latin Mass lovers. 😉

[@emilyanne4802]

🙋‍♀️

[@tipofmytongue1024]

Yay!

[@jessicairene1508]

🙏🏽💕

[@samanthamatz2373]

Salve!

[@josephlopez2138]

Hi!!!!

[@efandmk3382]

It's like going to the gym. Sometimes it's hard to get there, but you feel better afterward.

[@Donna-cc1kt]

And both eventually makes a better person❤️

[@BillyWidener]

Thank you, Father Mike, for this. That surely helps a lot. I'm now starting my RCIA. 🙏🏻

[@victoriaevans1097]

I'm so happy for you! Remain strong in the Faith, it's all worth it in the end!

[@JohnTwoFive]

Thanks Fr. Mike! Love sharing that we were taught to be there at the first blessing and the last, and wait for the priest to exit before leaving. Participating in between, meaning during the Mass, is our contribution to each Thanksgiving celebration we attend whether it's daily or weekly. And God's grace to get from here to Him is our reward!

[@mariaarcher124]

Fr. Mike you are a blessing to our Church. Thanks you for all you do!

[@danielfortier2629]

If someone is "going through the motions" they need to go on retreat. I found my Cursillo helped me quite a bit! Although I knew the "why's" of the mass, it was good to be reminded. I appreciated the mass a lot more after my Cursillo! I still do after over 20 years. In today's world, people forget how a retreat can be so helpful.

[@javypeds]

Daniel Fortier amen!

[@christinehenley9017]

51yr old cradle Catholic here.... I've never learned the WHY we do the physical things during Mass! Guess I have some research to do! Thanks Father Mike!

[@philomenaswope8561]

#askfrmike please could you do a video on why Catholics don't use swear words. My brother is a good kid but he doesn't see the offense it gives God. I'm really not too good with words which, in addition to the fact that I'm his sister, doesn't help the problem. Thanks!

[@Socalove-ss3xo]

Philomena Swope sounds like your bro needs some hotsauce or soap in his dirty.mouth😂😂

[@philomenaswope8561]

He doesn't actually use the words but just says the first letter. Thankfully he still has reservations about fully using them.

[@Socalove-ss3xo]

ohh thats not bad then he is just being human but sounds like a pretty normal guy to me. we musnt. sweat the small stuff.

[@philomenaswope8561]

True. But I'd like to see where the Church stands on cussing. I've always thought it was a sin but my brother is convinced otherwise. I'm curious to hear what Fr. Mike would say about it, it might clear things up for me as well as be entertaining.

[@Donna-cc1kt]

This is what a priest informed me: cussing is naughty words. Swearing is directed to God and insulting to God. This is what my momma informed me: people that cuss have a lack of vocabulary and display their ignorance. Don’t ask me what I say when I drop a hammer my toe, but on the whole I don’t cuss or swear because those two explanations haunt me. I don’t wanna insult God and I don’t want People to know/think I’m stupid.

[@debraleslie3131]

Thank u...I am learning how to be a catholic...u make a big impact than u can imagine...I am grateful for our connection...a babe in Christ...learning to crawl...

[@sugarsnap1848]

Good for you! All the Saints in Heaven are rooting for you!

[@javypeds]

Debra Leslie amen - daily prayer!

[@st.michaelthearchangel7774]

Nice! =)

[@AndrewFerrer3d]

me too but I want to learn bilocation(being in 2 places at once) and how to fly but it seems hard to get there

[@peggylyons9885]

I agee whole-heartedly. I'm actually grateful (sometimes) when I'm going through a dry spell because it helps me to see that I still have the necessary comittment and desire to do the right thing and worship even when I don't feel like it. I'm always grateful afterwards.

[@Donna-cc1kt]

Well said!

[@grayoverton5145]

Something about good Catholics and anologys

[@Donna-cc1kt]

Perfect! My motions are automatic. My relationship with God is on me like any intimate relationship and nobody can do that for me cuz this is between me and God. I do pray and ask that my love and trust be increased.

[@juliebriggs643]

Our parish is doing The Great Adventure Journey though the Bible. This year we are studying James. But our study leader also has been showing Bishop Robert Barron's The Mass after the bible study. I would highly recommend if anyone is feeling like they are "going through the motions" during Mass listen to Bishop Barron's lessons in The Mass. It has broaden my horizons to look beyond what I have always known about The Mass, giving me a deeper appreciation for The Mass and what it truly means to me to worship.

[@normansoto8010]

"Cleaning the floor didn't make me into a blackbelt" as he Karate chops the air...😂. You are hilarious! Thank you Father for all you do!!

[@Donna-cc1kt]

And how is a piano like a martial art - unless it’s falling out a window?😂🤣😵‍💫

[@veronicalongcor8162]

I coached soccer for about 10 years; I used to tell my players all of the time, "you should practice like you play, because you will play like you practice." Sometimes you need to hear someone tell you what you have said. Thanks for the reminder! ❤

[@Bosleys741]

Father Michael you are an inspiration you realy are I’ve just started to watch your videos you explain everything very well and give people a more understanding about catholic faith , my heads been messed up by Christian people telling me I’m going the wrong way in life and how I should follow them I’ve been catholic all my life and you’ve answered a lot of questions that I had on my mind , but I thank them Christians because all they’ve done is made my faith stronger now , thank you again father Michael and god bless you

[@fairybits]

The Catholic Church idols false Gods. God said nobody shall worship false Gods before him.The way is through Jesus Christ. Christianity does not have false idols.

[@daisya.7681]

@@fairybits well you see catholic don't worship idols! We worship God! We don't view saints or anyone else as a God you have the wrong idea. Shame on you! Just so you know there's a difference between veneration and worship.

[@daisya.7681]

@@fairybits also Catholics are Christian!!

[@Darth_Vader258]

Sometimes I just DON'T feel anything at Holy Mass and I just Go through the Motions.

[@haltcontinentaldrift]

Thank you so much for this video. This question has been on my heart recently - I’ve been struggling with this exact thing, and your response, as always, is incredibly thought-provoking and helpful. God bless you!

[@Julie_Rios]

Great timing, Fr. For all of us. Thank God. It's definitely important to have your heart in the right place. I don't want to be distracted at Mass, but it helps to remember why you're there. We are there to worship God & I always look forward to receiving the Eucharist. That's Jesus Real Presence there. Also, what a great line: "Duty first & put your whole heart into it." Thank you, Fr. Mike. God bless. Blessed Mother Mary, pray for us & for Fr. Mike Schmitz. Amen.

[@coldfusionmusical]

Hi Fr Mike, you're an inspiration, your explanations are always cheerful and easy to understand. One question #askfrmike would you make a video talking about the rosary and how is it not 'vain repetition' as some claim we're doing, citing Mathew 6:7, what does the Greek word battalogysyte means? Thanks Fr Mike, continue making videos, God bless you!

[@noemiburns6470]

Did you really ask your mom for chores after the movie??? LOL 😂 😂😂

[@itinerantpatriot1196]

Well said. As a musician, I love the analogy you used. I didn't formally study classical guitar but I worked closely with a guy who was very skilled at it and the first time he saw me play he had me change just about everything, the way I held my hands, the guitar, even how I looked down at the strings. I'm still finding my way after a long absence from the church. A lot has changed over the past 45 years. What I do is remember what it was like when I was a kid, what I was taught, and how I loved Mass back then. But more than that, if you are looking to get fulfilled simply by showing up I think you are missing the mark. I did that when I was church shopping before coming home. You have to work on the relationship with God. Expecting to get get something out of simply showing up for a religious service is sort of like expecting to be filled just by showing up at a buffet. You have to eat what's on your plate and that is a decision you make. But that's just me.

[@jonathangoodwin646]

That Hasn't happened to me I'm a returning Catholic I was baptized in 1978 got married 2006 I was gone for 6 years I went to another church that was a big mistake. I want to 3 confessions Make sure that I got everything taken care of. I've been going to mass Every Sunday I'll be back for 2 weeks now I'm not going through the motions I enjoy going to mass And I'm taking the holy communion . I wished Never left . I love going

[@isaacng315]

going through the motions without a purpose reminds me of weight training without knowing the reason for the technique or goal in mind. Sometimes you have to constantly grind it out, faith and fitness are so related.

[@johnhealy4647]

This is how I felt until I participated in a bible study by Bishop Baron on the Eucharist. Powerful!

[@alexbrocklebank8821]

I’m in RCIA right now, and I’m struggling because I don’t like mass. It just feels like useless and vain repetition. I don’t think God honestly cares when and/or if we stand or kneel. It seems very silly to me. The chimes, the chanting, - I don’t feel the presence of God at mass, but I do connect with God when I pray in silence at home.

[@DandZee89]

Going through the motions is going through the motions, there is absolutely no way around that.. The Lord doesn’t work that way. It says it clear in His word but Catholicism picks out and adds things to what The Bible actually says. Matthew 6:7 - But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. The belief that Jesus Christ is the son of God and that he died on the cross of Calvary for your sins, is not religion but a relationship with God, not a bunch of traditions of men. With a church service, it’s more than just hearing, but applying the word of God to your life.. there’s supposed to be a change in the heart and spiritual growth with a believer.. Do you think most of the people that go to mass especially when it’s spoken in Latin even know whatnot means or what they saying??… I guarantee you NO.. You are wasting your time just going through the motions.

[@desithanos8346]

Fr can u plzzz make a video on evolution n big bang if possible, awsm video as always😊😊😊.

[@8543960]

Honestly, church is where I feel the least spiritual. Aside from rote prayer, I can't even focus to pray in church. It's too distracting. At the shrine I go to often, I usually go outside to pray. In church I often feel God is just telling me to be quiet and be there.

[@jennifermink6353]

Consider and understand the meaning of each and every word being said. It really helps me.

[@patricialacroix1645]

Well , done , about our motions Thank you , it’s our duty!! Well done !!

[@Camelepiz]

And now many thousands cannot go to Mass because of COVID-19. My fervent prayer is that people won't take Mass or Holy Communion for granted after this unfortunate and painful hiatus. St. Joseph, ora pro nobis!

[@anastasiawasylinko5482]

"We pray as we live, because we live as we pray." That's such an amazing quote - it blew my mind! This was such a great video! Thanks, Fr. Mike!

[@amokay746]

I really really really really needed this. Thank you father Mike. GOD BLESS YOU.

[@annaverhaegh6712]

True this. Going though the motions does seem like a chore sometimes. But learning how to pray the Mass helps 😃. Experiencing the divine presence of Jesus takes some longer than others to experience....

[@Ezekiel336-16]

Dear father Mike, before I say anything, please know that I appreciate you and the work you do greatly. You have a blessed gift to bring the sheep to the Shepard by making the mountain as accessible and as small an incline as possible. However, as much as you had me with your karate kid parallel, I believe the simpler and more profound conclusion was missed. Daniel came to Mr M out of a desire to learn karate and he trusted in Mr M's ability to teach him even though did not understand what he was doing at the time. Therefore, his free choice and desire to learn from a teacher who he believed in faithfully is what got him to obey before becoming frustrated with his own lack of understanding. Then, and only then, did Mr M reveal what Daniel had been exhausting himself to learn. His free obedience and belief of faith came first, then his understanding followed. It is the same with God! He wants us to believe in Him and be faithfully obedient BEFORE He will allow us to understand! That is the "school of trust" we are called to belong to with Him, not the other way around. We want understanding before giving our belief and obediance but that is not the way God works, since no amount of knowledge or understanding comes close to developing the fruits of virtuous character that we need to love and serve Him and others as He wants. Understanding has limits and is endless in it's pursuits of "one more's" but true belief and obediance without understanding is unshakable! God bless you, Andrew ✝️✝️✝️

[@veronicalongcor8162]

Just beautiful!

[@Ezekiel336-16]

@@veronicalongcor8162 Thanks Veronica. I pray that more people learn to embrace believing without understanding, because so many relationships would be far better off if we did. God bless, Andrew ✝️✝️✝️

[@tinageorge5421]

#askfathermike Father Mike, can you please make a video on where you draw the line between superstition and tradition - even superstitions can get handed down by whole communities. But the line is so blurry, as to why, as Catholics, we avoid some “rituals” but practice others.

[@praytherosaryeveryday2709]

Fr Mike's calling wasn't to the u.f.c. it was to g.o.d.

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

Seriously you be killing me with laughter, thanks 🤣

[@jgreenjr1983]

Thank you Fr. Mike! You are so full of Grace!!

[@annamargarethafondevilla4224]

However it feels like... Get up. Dress up. Show up.

[@raymondross7410]

Fr. Mike, You have an amazing gift, God has blessed you with the ability to teach and tell a story that no we all can understand and learn from. I know that Jesus had this same ability to tell a story that teaches the children of God, and he gave that wonderful gift to you. Thank you so much for all you do for all of us. God bless you Father. I am so thankful for you. God gave me a great gift when I found you. 🕆❤

[@sttommore]

I don’t understand the development of everyone’s telling me to “smash” a button. I can only click so hard! I like my mouse!

[@Donna-cc1kt]

Hah! Something to think about there!

[@margueritelosinski3021]

My mother always offered up her service ( or her daily work ) to her family up to the Lord. I always think of this when I am not in prayer - that I can offer what I do up to the Lord. I find the more I pray the more I want to pray. I have also found that I don’t feel as connected to my Creator at mass as when I am in prayer alone with God. But I know that when I am in group prayer ( or participating in the sacrament of the mass )I think of the Bible verse that says that when two or more are gathered God is in our midst - not to mention receiving the holy Eucharist. Thank you for all that you do Father Mike. Your videos help to strengthen my faith.

[@Socalove-ss3xo]

hmmm well like he says there are different levels of.sin. yes swearing is a verbel reaction to our emotions. but to swear all the.time like a bad habit is no good. or swear using extreme.bad words.is no good. like when i get mad i say ohh peanut butter or say holy christopher. i think if we can control what comes out our mouth we can better.control what we say and do in our daily lives and think before we speak and live life more humble and speak with common sense. i hope this helps and you understand me.

[@kristinepetersone3860]

Father! You did it again. I'm living in Japan now for 2 years and for me going to church on Sundays means waking up early, walking 10 km, taking the train and sitting in Mass where everything's in a language I don't understand (and the homilies are super long). I needed to be reminded, that this time of feeling so desolated and, in fact, not getting any positive emotions back, is the time of purification and an opportunity to say to God "I love YOU, not the emotions You give me". Thank you!

[@Socalove-ss3xo]

Kristīne Pētersone why are you in japan?

[@kristinepetersone3860]

Jared I got a scholarship to study there

[@Socalove-ss3xo]

oh nice. how do you like japan?what are you studying?

[@kristinepetersone3860]

Jared I really like it. The nature is enormously beautiful. I cannot get enough of hiking. The people are the nicest, most polite, helpful and organised nation you will ever meet. UWC ISAK IB diploma.

[@Socalove-ss3xo]

That is awesome i have seen video and photos of japan it is my to go to places for the future. Where are you originally from?

[@lisaherrling6880]

I try to go to Mass with a sense of anticipation. I believe that I will hear something in the Scripture readings or in the homily that Jesus needs me to hear. I also believe that Jesus will send me from Mass with the tools I need until the next time I go to Mass. I view the Eucharist as the Meal that can satisfy like no other meal can. It is fuel for the journey. Is this an incorrect mindset?

[@ChurchVidTV]

Lisa Herrling I think that’s a fine way to approach mass - are you finding yourself feeling upset or unfulfilled after Mass?

[@lisaherrling6880]

Not so much upset or unfulfilled. I some times feel distracted.

[@ChurchVidTV]

Lisa Herrling distractions are ok. I don’t think god expects us to be laser focused the entire liturgy. There’s a lot that’s out of your control. If music homily or people are boring then you’re going to be distracted. Although the church calls for all these things to draw our attention TO the sacred act that is occurring sometimes they simply don’t. It’s not necessarily you’re fault. And that’s my biggest critique of this video. It puts all the responsibility on the individual mass goer without calling out those responsible for “conferring greater solemnity upon the ritual” by virtue of their leadership positions (I’m looking at YOU priests with bad homilies) I made a video response going deeper on this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5DMkouAfbN8bNE

[@Ezekiel336-16]

You just reminded me of a very important quote I learned sometime ago, we get out of mass what we put into it, so if we anticipate being bored or even engaged and interested then we more likely will be. In other words, our focus often determines the realities of what we see and hear. Given that, we must also remember Who we are there for (Jesus) because without Him the why is not relevant. God bless, Andrew ✝️ Also, to answer your question. No, your mind and heartsets are glorious!!!

[@poetlover30]

No. not at all. It's a good way to think of Mass.

[@mistyviolet3825]

I need this today….. 🕯🙏🏻🕯

[@imalive4u169]

I enjoy going to Mass when I miss Mass I get upset at myself for not going. I feel that I'm missing something. I also want my boys to find peace in going to Mass in an otherwise troubled world that we live in. In which it's important to recite the Nicene Creed and receive the Holy Eucharist as a community that shares the same beliefs as yourself which is why it's called a Church. My life is full of hardships with going to work, paying bills and putting food on the table going to Mass and spending time with my family even for a day gives me peace.

[@katherinespek7650]

Could you please do a video on how to discern when God is talking to you or giving you a message sign please?

[@LadyMakDawg]

I’ve been watching your videos for the past few months, even though I’m protestant. This doesn’t have much to do with the video, I have to say it. You have gained 5 cool points for playing classical guitar 😂. I’ve been playing since 7th grade (6.5 years), it was an elective you could take in the school system I went to.

[@julietn9344]

Hey this video was uploaded on my birthday. Love u Fr Mike

[@vew97]

Juliet Nakabugo Happy birthday!

[@lauray.4434]

Happy birthday!

[@isaacroufs5779]

Happy birthday!

[@julietn9344]

@@isaacroufs5779 Thank you

[@bonnieg3802]

Happy Birthday!!!

[@st.michaelthearchangel7774]

Fr. Mike Schmitz is the epic spiritual gains version of Jeff Cavaliere. Also, funny story, the very first video uploaded to this channel, Fr. Mike complained about vehicles interrupting his recording session at the beginning of that video. Baha! Epic.

[@themissionary4christ166]

This is awesome! We go through the motions of the Holy Spirit and Jesus when we go to mass:)

[@TrialAndError8713]

Hey! I drive one of those big trucks! 😉

[@ivanercegovac1072]

"Our Love groves more in the times of desolation then in times of consolation"

[@Barbarabarbarabarbara]

This is so relevant right now during the coronavirus pandemic. The proverbial Valley away from the mass. I look forward to the day when we get to celebrate it together again. Hope you are well and safe Fr. Mike. You're in our prayers 🙏

[@gisshebap21]

Thanks for the reminder that's it's not about how you feel.

[@glopez4919]

Very interesting Fr Mike. Yes a refresher as to why we go to mass, which is for our Lord, the King of Kings, our father our everything. It's about him and his great love for us. I cry every time because I can't believe how great he is to us.

[@andreaarmstrong1829]

I will SMASH! That like button, as Fr Mike says. SMASH! 😂

[@tombrown7936]

The "WISDOM" OF The World is Indeed FOOLishness - GENESIS 3 - ROMANS 1:18-32 - EPHESIANS 6:12 - SDG

[@TescoOfficial]

When mass feels like going through the motions... Go to a Tridentine Latin Mass.

[@catherinedurant7806]

👍

[@ChurchVidTV]

Tesco Propaganda Ministry ehhhhh the TLM is beautiful! But it may not always be an answer. For me, I feel like going through the motions because I felt like no one cared I was even there. Of course the TLM hyper emphasizes Gods presence and that he cares I’m there - but without the PEOPLE reaching out it can get lost. Whenever I go to the TLM parish for confession I feel like people see me as a disturbance/nuisance because I’m interrupting their prayer. Bottom line - I agree good beautiful liturgy can help! But I also put responsibility on the people in the pews.

[@squeakysoul]

Uh no. I went to a TLM and felt it was lovely but alienating

[@TescoOfficial]

I hear you, I've just never liked mass to be a social gathering, if I want to catch up with friends I'll do so after mass has ended, not sat in the pews before it begins.

[@catherinedurant7806]

@@TescoOfficial yes! I dislike how people feel that it is acceptable to have a full fledged conversation-or any conversation, in any church.

[@funnynickline]

"Love is the greatest from God to us and us to his brethren of the world"🙏😊💖💎💖

[@chloeholloway1239]

Woah this video came at totally the right time for me

[@clairedruffner4034]

This is so perfect and exactly what I have been thinking about lately. Fr. Mike always explains topics so perfectly!

[@anniemarques460]

There is no 'true' desire to be there! There should be an excitement, a true love for this lifelong friend you are visiting that means the world to you! And there isn't... People arrive at church thinking of ALL the other things they must do, games they must see, games they must discuss (past & present), which kid is going where and needs be picked up, and big and small family meals they are going to cook. All of which have been discussed either behind me or in front while I'm in prayer! You have entered the most important house on earth. Invited to the most important meal...there should be nothing else on your mind!!! ONE HOUR...nothing else but worship. Everything else can wait! However, that is not what happens! When we change that, mass will be a different experience...a worthwhile experience!

[@yourstateofsoul]

This video is five years old, so I realize no one may reply. I am a lector at my Church. God's word is profoundly alive to me as I read and speak, and I read with passion. Passion is essential to my worship. For example, as I sit with the congregation during Palm Sunday, I choke up during my cries of Crucify Him. He didn’t just die for me, He died because of me. My sorrow is immense when I realize that the crowd legimately includes me. I have been complimented on my reading style by members of the congregation. I smile, I frown, I look up high when the words and the situation warrant. Today the celebrant talked to me after mass and said I was distract I have been including more gestures in my reading. Holding a hand up, clenching fingers together, that sort of thing. None of it is planned; it just flows naturally. I read as if I am addressing an assembly... Which I am. I have been doing quite a bit of research on this in the last few hours. I've read essays from Catholics who eschew emotion and seem to distrust it; one even called it idolatrous. And there are Catholics who state that they wish there was more of it. More Catholics at Mass being emotive, even the priests and lectors. I've read instructional manuals from various churches, inclding the 2024 Workbook for Lectors by LTP. These exhort to read with passion, to speak as we would in conversation. Even use facial expressions. Arm and hand gestures are not mentioned. The priest told me that I should never treat the reading as a conversation. I should also mention that there was a time he praised my reading style. But as I said, I gesture more often now. So... thoughts, guidance? Please.

[@Hallow334]

Father Mike hit the nail on the head. If you don't do mass right, you won't get out of it what you want. I became Catholic six years ago and mass is still the highlight of my week. It is absolutely my favorite hour(ish). It is the only time I am truly at peace. I pray for those, who feel like they are just going through the motions. I also pray they can make some changes so mass becomes more fulfilling. Let's fix something easy! Genuflection! The first few times I went to mass, long before I started attending RCIA, I paid attention to how people Genuflected. I didn't know the proper way to Genuflect, but I suspected a lot of people were doing it wrong. I promised myself I would never do the "lazy Genuflect", so long as I am physically able to do it correctly. What is the Genuflect? The Genuflect is kneeling or deep bowing. This is the most common Genuflect. It's performed prior to entering the pew and after exiting the pew. It's only done when the Blessed Sacrament is in the tabernacle. You will know this is the case if the candle with the red globe around it is lit. (1) Bend your RIGHT KNEE all the way to the floor. (2) While your knee is on the floor, slowly make the Sign of the Cross. Don't forget to say, "In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit". (3) Stand back up and enter the pew. Why do we do it? The act is a reverence made especially to express adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. How you Genuflect reflects what kind of reverence and adoration you are expressing to the Blessed Sacrament. So...... What kind of reverence and adoration have you been expressing to the Blessed Sacrament? Remember to slow down. Make the Sign of the Cross slow enough so you can say the prayer with it. God bless and Vivat Jesus! ✝

[@KathySeals]

Love this! Such a help! Thank you, Fr. Mike! You're such a blessing!

[@paulettemcwaters8557]

Thanks for your choice of topics always so inspiring.

[@keithpanick2098]

Quick story. Not more than a year ago, I was listening to the Bible In A Year podcast on my way home from work (don't ask me what day it was). But at the end of that episode, Fr. Mike spoke briefly about the Eucharist and what it means. I did a little self-reflection after that and realized that week after week I just go through the motions when it comes to receiving, and I wasn't fully connecting. So as I am driving, I say a quick prayer and ask God to help me not take the Eucharist for granted any longer. For me to fully appreciate what it means and the sacrifice that was given for us. A couple of minutes later, whether I switched lanes or the van did, I don't know, but all of the sudden I noticed a white van in front of me. You know the type, double doors with windows at the top. Well, across those windows had been a sticker that had been ripped off, EXCEPT, for the top left portion of that sticker, in the top left corner, of the left window. What was remaining was the face of Jesus. Not only was it the face of Jesus, but his face was angled in such a way that it was looking directly at me, not straight forward. God heard my prayer and he let me know.

[@healhands5760]

Some people thought that the Eucharist is a man-made ritual and makes fun of it. Until they knew that Jesus commanded us to do it; and that is the 'sacrificial' part of worship because the heart of every worship is sacrifice, just llike how in old testament they kill animals and spread the blood to 4 corners of altar. But we dont need to crucify someone every mass, but to perform and receive the Bread and Wine. ❤

[@jonathangoodwin646]

When I had learned Get the mess early Don't leave her After you receive the holy communion . You don't get the whole thing of the Mass If you walk out before the priest Done Because it disturbs the other people And you need to think of God . At my Is parish The priest says don't leave until the message is completed . Another thing is it turn off your phone or leave it in the car So Be in the presence of God To me I love going to mass I enjoy Being there with God . The only thing I have trouble with It's getting up-and-down because of my bad back But what I do do I lean On the chair in front of me when we have to get up For people Medical problem There's always a way.

[@mage1966]

Answer to my 🙏🏼. Thank you for posting this explanation 😍

[@dominic5520]

EXODUS chapter 20 verses four and five,; You shall not make unto you any carved image of anything that is in heaven above or the earth below or the water under the earth. Shall not bow them selves down to them or serve them for I the Lord thy God I’m a jealous God visiting iniquity into the third and fourth generation.

[@watermain48]

Thank you Fr. Mike. You just helped me greatly. I hope I can put what I need to do into practice.

[@lenorecatalogna9752]

Well FAther, St. Paul the Evangelist has been the divine spuse of St. Ester as well for 20 years. He is a real quiet man while churchesa,politicians, govewrnments, youth campaigns, years of the family ain all the churches of the world have been teaching he is a radical who would jump in and out of anything that comes along. So, he allowed St. Ester to be the priest and himself her devout spouse who helps her every step of the way in the Episcopelian Church of the Mediator. And I never have gone to A Christmas Mass in five years because I want to celebrate it with them. They have travelled around the world too but it is because of their church,family vacation etc. They had an open house one year at their own home to display all the Nativity scenes they have collected in different countries. This means the Nativity is important to them,not unimportant. But she is going on a sabatical and then retiring from ministry.

[@calebzinn7022]

Hi everyone at ascension, I was wondering how the Catholic Church can say in the Catechism of the Catholic Church that “The task of interpreting the Word of God authentically has been entrusted solely to the Magisterium of the Church, that is, to the Pope and to the bishops in communion with him”. Maybe you could do a video on it. Growing up very much Protestant I have always wondered how they can believe only their interpretation. Thanks, Caleb

[@estherjoan2276]

Thank you, Fr Michael for this Important reminder.

[@patnorthcutt2378]

Thanks!

[@annaverhaegh6712]

#askfrmike What's with the who 666 beast thing on the Catholic Church? I have read somewhere, (must've been in a Catholic bible), that the number 666 in either Latin or Hebrew refers to the emperor Nero Caesar. Is this correct and how so?

[@SaltMarshBx]

This was a very helpful talk. 👍 Thanks for posting. ✊

[@jonathangoodwin646]

To make sure I don't disturb other people I leave my cell phone on car so I Don't disturb other people

[@andrewdaniels1560]

Ladies and Gentlemen, if you have the opportunity to attend a Traditional Latin Mass in your area, go. It may take you a few visits to get acquainted and like it, it took me so, but if you honestly give it a chance, it will transform your spirituality and prayer life. Go ahead and give it a shot!

[@jonathangoodwin646]

There is one thing I don't like I'm not judge Some people forget to turn off their cell phone and that's very Disrespectful when other people are trying to listen .

[@PaperDrummer240]

Thank you Fr Mike and Ascension Presents. I really needed to hear this.

[@georgesandraos5377]

GOD Bless you Father 🙏

[@meagharkins]

brilliant, thank you!!!

[@althaushexe]

You quote Josemaria Escriva. Does this mean you are connected to Opus Dei?

[@bibleresearcher5536]

#askfrmike Why does Jesus refer to himself as the Son of man?

[@Fraevo10]

Great question!

[@paolapetriortiz183]

Read the Book of Daniel, chapter 7. The Son of Man described there is Jesus, Who goes before the throne of the Ancient of Days (God the Father) and receives an everlasting dominion.

[@markantonelli53]

I don’t go to mass because I don’t have any faith that God exists. It doesn’t make sense to waste my time going through the motions because of this.

[@dianalytle163]

Thank you so much for all your videos. You always make me smile. I love your childhood stories. I learn a lot too.