Why falling asleep at mass is a good thing.

We have all been there. We are 16 minutes into a homily, the church is hot and stuffy, and the lighting is dimmed. It is all too common to see a head bobbing, a person leaning on the pews, or a toddler passed out. Even those in religious life are known to go from chant to snores. Dare I say it mass is boring? or is it?

Let’s set the record straight. Mass is not boring. Mass is Heaven coming down onto Earth. The border between the earthly and divine becomes more and more blurred as we approach judgement day. The consecration at mass, thanks to the authority bestowed upon the priest, is a miraculous event where the Creator of the Universe is made really and truly present. If we had the eyes of faith, then mass would be an awe-inspiring occasion.

But we do not have the eyes of Faith; nor the ears, nor the nose, or even the tongue. We see the humanity of our Faith during mass. Praise the Lord, there are some priests who are able to manifest holiness in their preaching and how they say mass. However, that is not all priest. A joke is often said of homilies that, “your homily had a great ending. Too bad you continued to talk for another ten minutes.” We have also been victims of bad sound systems, cantors who don’t know the hymns, and lectors with incredibly thick accents.

All of these superficial factors do indeed make it difficult to participate in the mass. However, even if we have the perfect mass, then some people would still fall asleep. We may have the best choir, the best homily, the best liturgy, and still you will see the infamous head bob of someone fighting off the noon day devil. If mass can go perfectly and people still fall asleep, then what is the cause?

In the name of charity and mercy, I say something beautiful is happening. The people falling asleep are finally finding rest in their lives. Our lives are filled with anxiety, worry, fear, and anger. We are constantly fighting and running from stress in our lives. We were sentenced to work and toil all of the days of our lives. God knew this would demand much from us and mandated that we “Keep Holy the Sabbath.” The Creator of the Universe ordered us to rest once a week. Do we rest?

That is why we should not be mad at someone is falling asleep in church. Instead, we should pray that they find the rest that can only be found in the Presence of God. Our God is the Good Shepherd. He watches over us and makes sure that we are well fed. So many places demand sacrifices or money in order to be present. God only demands mercy from us; a loving justice.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7

He wants us to come to Him for all that troubles us. Rarely, do we go to God for all things. We either fail to ask as much as we need to OR we fail to understand what we need to ask. Therefore, people who never pray, never talk to God, never lay down their weary burdens will often doze during mass. Because for the first time in a long time, they are able to rest. How beautiful is that?

So, if you are falling asleep during mass. There is only one solution: Go to God more often! Go to mass, pray the rosary, walk through nature, or whatever brings you closer to God. True leisure will always make you feel rested and fully human. Saint Terese of Lisieux would often fall asleep during her prayers but she would say, “I know that children are just as dear to their parents whether they are asleep or awake.”

At mass is the Kings of Kings and Lords of Lords. He is the Alpha and Omega. He is the Creator of our universe. He is all of these things. Yet, He is, above all else, the God who is Love. He loves His children. He loves the sinners just as much as the saints. He loves the clergy just as much as the laity. He loves the murderer just as much as the victim. He wants us to be in His Presence. We must all strive to participate as much as we are able. But sometimes our best effort is falling asleep during mass. Let God’s Will be done!