Expert: Edward Bode - 1/28/2006

Question
Hi Edward!

I'd like to ask you if it's a sin when you're not able to concentrate during prayers or when you attend a mass in the church. Is it a sin when your thoughts fly away somewhere else, to your daily problems for example, and you're not focused, you don't know for instance what the priest was saying or which prayer you prayed. Is it a sin?
thanks

Answer
I am not a moral theologian, Luke, but I do have a few thoughts that I could offer about attention at Sunday Mass.
First: If a person realizes a distraction and then gets back to prayer, that is good.  Complete and constant internal attention is difficult for an entire Mass.
Second, internal distractions do not keep one from fulfilling the obligation of Sunday and Holy Day Mass attendance.  The Church law requires external attention.  
Third, I make a special effort to be attentive especially at the Offertory, Consecration, and Communion of the priest.
If you would like more, I suggest that you speak with a local priest.
Nice to hear that you are concerned about the best way to attend Mass and benefit from it.
Best wishes, Luke.