TTSNBSIM 3: "Let's Have a Round of Applause For Person X"

TTSNBSIM (Things That Should Never Be Said In Mass)

#3: "Let's Have a Round of Applause For Person X"

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This series is on the subject of things that I've heard said at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, which should, in reality, never be said there.  Often, it's because these things are incorrect, but occasionally, it's simply because the remark, as stated, is not explained well enough, and will inevitably be misinterpreted.  In the latter case, the post will also contain an explanation of why this is, as well as proposed -alternatives,- which make the intended statement a bit more clear.

This one, however, is a bit harder to categorize, because it's not a matter of it being true or false.  It's just not appropriate.  To understand why, it's important to know just what goes on at the Mass.

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You see, at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the Saints and Angels are all around invisibly, worshiping God.  The Holy Trinity and the Blessed Mother are present at each Mass, even though we can't see them, and perhaps most importantly, Jesus is made present there -physically- in the Holy Eucharist.  Every living person in the church is moved back through time, to the specific time and place of the crucifixion of Jesus, and while the sacrifice is taking place, Jesus is right there, being crucified.

Now, suppose you were the priest in such a position.  You're either looking directly at Jesus, or you're facing away from him (as many priests do in modern times.)  Jesus is hanging there on the cross, being mocked by the pharisees, guards, criminals and other passers-by, crowned with thorns, hands and feet impaled with nails, and his whole body covered with wounds caused by jagged bone fragments that were driven across his skin over and over by a leather whip during the scourging.

Really?  Is this really the best time and place to be applauding the performance of a human being, regardless of what they've done to deserve it?

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If you have an active parish life, and the laity is active in it, there will be times and places to announce congratulations to Marge for her work on the parish bake sale.  Perhaps even before, or after Mass would be acceptable, but not during, and certainly not right in the middle.  Some things are just more important than that.