Annoyed and Frustrated at Mass, by Randall Smith

By Randall Smith,  The Catholic Thing, December 16, 2025

Randall B. Smith is a Professor of Theology at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas. His latest book is From Here to Eternity: Reflections on Death, Immortality, and the Resurrection of the Body.

I am often annoyed and frustrated at Mass. Not with the Mass, mind you. I used to get annoyed and frustrated a lot with the way Mass was done when I first became Catholic. But some of that craziness from earlier years seems to have subsided somewhat. Or maybe it’s just that I’m fortunate in the places I go to Mass these days. Mostly, I’m just grateful to be going to Mass at all.  A lot of people don’t have that luxury, or they risk their lives to go.

No, I get annoyed and frustrated with myself, because my mind wanders. I find that strange and troubling. Strange, because it’s Christ Himself present. Troubling, because if I can’t get myself to listen to God, then who would I listen to?

I mean, if Christ was present not in the accidents of bread and wine, but as He appeared to the disciples in the upper room after His crucifixion, would my mind wander then?  Would I be wondering, “Wow, it’s Jesus, but what am I going to have for lunch?” or “These are the words of life, but did I remember to send my students that email?” Would I have to say: “What’s that, Lord?  What did you say?  I’m sorry, my mind wandered.” That would be more than a little embarrassing. …

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