Applause at Mass?: Parish Bulletin--1-11-15

            This week I would like to share a request I received from one of our musicians—this individual asked that we no longer clap after the closing song. 

In so doing this person offered a great point: “Father, we don’t clap when the server holds the book correctly.  We don’t clap after someone reverently distributes communion.  We don’t give you applause during your homily.  Why, then, do we only clap for the musicians?  We sing and play at Mass to praise God, not to receive applause!”  (This person was not the only musician who expressed similar sentiments.)

            In the world of entertainment, we instinctively applaud, shout for joy, or give high-fives when something good happens (for example, a touchdown, goal, solo, etc.).  It may make sense why we would offer applause at the end of Mass, because that’s what we do everywhere else.

Now I would be willing to bet that if you have applauded at the end of Mass, you have had only good intentions—to thank the musicians, to thank everyone who assisted in church, to praise God, to thank your priest, etc.  Yet we must remember (or learn) that the Mass is not about entertainment—it is about worship.  Thus all praise and glory goes to God, not the priest, musicians, lectors, servers or EMs.

            Consider this quotation from Cardinal Ratzinger (who became Pope Benedict XVI): “Wherever applause breaks out in the liturgy because of some human achievement, it is a sure sign that the essence of liturgy has totally disappeared and been replaced by a kind of religious entertainment” (Spirit of the Liturgy, p. 198).

Speaking on behalf of everyone who serves at the Mass, the greatest thanks you can give is by participating more deeply in the Eucharist—which means thanksgiving!  Gratitude is imbedded in the Mass, most especially in our gratitude for God.

I would ask that we no longer applaud at the end of Mass because we come to God’s house not to be entertained but to worship.  We do not arrive at a football stadium, theater or race-track to celebrate human achievements, but to enter the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and offer God our praise. 

Does this mean we should never show gratitude to others for their role in Mass?  Of course not!  I would encourage you to offer words of affirmation to our musicians, sacristans, servers, lectors and EMs.  I am grateful for all who serve in these capacities because their service allows us all to pray well and reverently.  Many of them practice, set-up or take care of behind-the-scenes details that often go unnoticed.  Praise God for them all!

Thank you for your continued presence at weekend and daily Masses.  It delights my heart to worship and pray with you!

God Bless!