When Mass Feels like Going Through the Motions

[@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 ✅

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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❤️

[@mariaarcher124]

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

[@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.

[@patricialacroix1645]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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!!

[@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! ❤

[@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. 🕆❤

[@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?

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@jgreenjr1983]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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....

[@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 🙏

[@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.

[@amokay746]

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

[@johnhealy4647]

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

[@PaperDrummer240]

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

[@KathySeals]

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

[@patnorthcutt2378]

Thanks!

[@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.

[@catherinedurant7806]

Hi my Latin Mass lovers. 😉

[@emilyanne4802]

🙋‍♀️

[@tipofmytongue1024]

Yay!

[@jessicairene1508]

🙏🏽💕

[@samanthamatz2373]

Salve!

[@josephlopez2138]

Hi!!!!

[@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!

[@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!

[@mistyviolet3825]

I need this today….. 🕯🙏🏻🕯

[@JDeF.39]

Even when I think I know what I'm doing ~ and why ~ Fr Mike teaches me something I had not thought about. And then it all comes together in my mind! I feel like I've learned something new....all over again. 😇💙

[@ivanercegovac1072]

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

[@georgesandraos5377]

GOD Bless you Father 🙏

[@estherjoan2276]

Thank you, Fr Michael for this Important reminder.

[@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!

[@clairedruffner4034]

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

[@gisshebap21]

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

[@funnynickline]

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

[@jonathanl2748]

Bravo! That was well said. Thanks.

[@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?😂🤣😵‍💫

[@erickmartinez312]

Amen ❤️🕊🙏🏽 God bless hope you all have a great day ! Thanks Fr.Mike

[@barbarawolcott6999]

Wonderful message Father! I always get something I need by listening to you! Thanks for all you do!

[@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

[@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.

[@watermain48]

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

[@mi2401]

Thank you Fr Mike. This is so true. God bless you

[@paulsullivan381]

It is interesting that I felt my faith was its strongest after my wife's cancer diagnosis and then her passing. Makes so much sense that our faith would be it's strongest during these low periods of our life's.

[@paulettemcwaters8557]

Excellent comments and suggestions to consider. I have also found myself distracted by others and I have learned to try to concentrate more on the meaning of the parts of the Mass so I can be more focused on what the Lord did for me and what He means to me.

[@ryousseph30]

Thanks father Mike I will have my teenage children watch this video with me again

[@kublu6817]

Thank you for that clear message.

[@BoycottYouTube2023]

Beautifully said, Father!

[@mage1966]

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

[@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!!!

[@lindaliadecamps3936]

One of the best messages I have heard ❤️

[@paulmiller3469]

Good video, thanks Father. For a long time I've known that you have to put something in to get something out, but with Mass I wasn't always doing that, so I've had my share of 'going through the motions.' Then I started following along with the celebrant during the Eucharistic Prayer, which led me to be more participatory during Prep of the Gifts, and something clicked - I wasn't just going through the motions anymore. Highlight of my week now (which it should have been all along).

[@WAX6428]

Well said, Karate Kid ("pick up" your jacket in the new one) was a good movie about studying a discipline. This applies to any denomination and is a problem universally. Nicely done...

[@patrick.7326]

Amen.

[@paulettemcwaters8557]

Thanks for your choice of topics always so inspiring.

[@Darth_Vader258]

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

[@themissionary4christ166]

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

[@Miss_TiredAnimationFan]

Thanks for the advice Father!

[@dianalytle163]

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

[@SaltMarshBx]

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

[@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! ✝

[@jennifer8535]

Wow TWO fantastic messages!

[@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.

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

Seriously you be killing me with laughter, thanks 🤣

[@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.

[@davidreyes1336]

When me and my family went to church religiously every Sunday, practiced lent every year, voluntered with church was back in the eighties. I always felt like the priest was talking down to me, what was wrong with me, why I should feel guilty for my feelings. I just left feeling like a bad person. Trust me I prayed and confessed my heart but never felt a change.

[@AJ_Jingco]

I can't live without the Holy Water and the Eucharist.

[@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!

[@meagharkins]

brilliant, thank you!!!

[@mirtham2372]

Oh my gosh! Thank you! I thought I was doing something wrong!🙏🙏🙏

[@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.

[@alexiszuer1380]

Absolutely needed this

[@imommtube]

We pray as we live because we live as we pray

[@chloeholloway1239]

Woah this video came at totally the right time for me

[@eileen1820]

Thank you, Fr. Mike. This makes a lot of sense to me! Very helpful!

[@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

[@nathanmiller408]

We pray as we live, and we live as we pray: if my thoughts, mind, and heart aren't oriented towards my relationship with God during my daily life, then how could I expect them to orient themselves during prayer? Beautifully put.

[@crepesuzette5540]

Very helpful! Thank you!!!

[@desithanos8346]

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

[@jackierusson2270]

Thank you

[@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!

[@grayoverton5145]

Something about good Catholics and anologys

[@carolinariley]

Father Mike, you mentioned- standing, kneeling- etc. at mass. If possible, can you make a video of why - or the importance of these actions. Thanks! warmly, ca

[@philomenaswope8561]

loved the video btw, really relatable!

[@marniacoyo556]

This would be so good in Spanish so I could send this to my parents

[@robg6368]

Thank you for this video. Helps keep it in perspective.

[@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.

[@katherinespek7650]

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

[@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.

[@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 ✝️✝️✝️

[@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.