Why is it so boring?
I’m not sure what “it” is, but I suspect the questioner might be speaking of Mass, my homilies, or this column. Good arguments could be made to prove the “boring-ness” of each of those things, especially the latter two. However, I strongly believe there are no boring activities, only bored people. For any activity, you can find a person that loves it, is fascinated by it, and is greatly excited to participate in it. Let me present three examples: shopping, fishing, and watching baseball.
How many of you are bored to death when you have to go along shopping with someone? Yet, at the same time, many of you would be excited to do so. Why the difference? Well, it depends if you are interested in what you are shopping for. I personally love to shop for electronics, bicycles and accessories, and things like that, while I hate to shop for clothes and furniture.
Fishing also seems like a very boring activity to many of us. Why sit around for hours waiting for a fish to bite? Why not go to the grocery store instead? Well, I suspect, not being a fisher of fish myself, that there is something relaxing and peaceful about fishing coupled with an addicting surge of adrenaline when the big one bites and the final satisfaction of having reeled in the catch. For those who have the patience and are open to it, fishing must be an almost spiritual experience.
Finally, how boring is watching baseball for many people? Ever go to Royals game and find yourself more interested in watching the scoreboard for the “kiss cam”, or watching the vendors throw peanuts to people, or begging Slugerrr to launch a hotdog your way? Yet, for those who understand what is going on on the field, for those who know the rules and see the strategy of the pitcher and every pitch he throws, for those who understand the “sacrifice fly” and batting strategy, for those who understand, the game is fascinating.
So now, apply these examples by analogy to Mass (or whatever “it” is) and ask yourself these questions: Are you interested in Mass? Are you interested in the Scriptures—God’s word? Are you interested in receiving Jesus in the Eucharist? Are you patient enough to wait in silence and stillness for the moment when God hooks you with a moment of grace or sudden insight? Do you understand what you are doing, what you are hearing, what you are praying and singing at Mass? Good questions! So, why is “it” so boring? Don’t ask me, ask yourself.
-Fr. Greg
If you would like submit a question, please write it out and place it in the “Ask a Priest” box in the vestibule or email me at frgreg@kc.rr.com.
