A common complaint, voiced by many, is that the Mass is boring, rooted in ritual that never varies and that this unwavering sameness is the principle reason many choose not to attend. After all, if you attended one Mass you have experienced everything that you possibly could through a lifetime of Masses, therefore, why waste your time and energy on such a repetitive exercise?

Last weekend, along with over 45,000 of my closest friends from around the world, I had the opportunity to experience the Mass — rooted in ritual — through new found and profound differences. Three Masses, attended over three days, while the same, were completely unique. And yet all were wonderful opportunities to praise and glorify God in the greatest possible way.

Now I must admit that some of those experiences were not my ‘cup of tea’ but they were to many thousands of others in attendance. You could see it in their faces and hear it in their voices. It was a gathering of joy and thanksgiving to God that one seldom has the opportunity to experience.

Praying the Lord’s Prayer with 20,000 or more is an overwhelming and awe inspiring experience. With one voice we prayed; what a sound! That most perfect of prayers, given to us by Jesus, prayed as it was intended in communion and unison with so many souls, left me humbled by our petition. It is a moment I will never forget.

The beauty of the Mass performed and prayed in Hawaiian was quite simply, wonderful. Respect and honor to their elders is a central tenet of their culture and they incorporate that into their Mass by seating a representative of their elders at a place of honor at the table. The song and dance incorporated within the Mass were steeped in their culture and provided a wonderful and new experience to all who were in attendance.

A “gospel” Mass is, if nothing else, a moment of sheer joy. Actually, it was nearly 270 minutes of joyous celebration that felt as though it went short. Every moment of the celebration — and it was a celebration — was expressed with unbounded enthusiasm and joy. It was contagious and uplifting, it was a sanctifying expression of our love of God and our thanks for all that He has done for us. Almost two and one-half hours and it was not nearly enough, far from it. Think about it. Over 20,000 Catholics from around the world at Mass, en mass, enjoying a celebration that inspired them, enthralled them, kept them praying as one body, giving praise and glory to God for that length of time, leaving us wanting more. Mass…boring? Not in that church.