Although it seems little, if anything, comes from the Mass, more may be at work than you think. On the surface, it may seem a waste of time, but the grace bestowed through the Eucharist and participation in the Mass, even when distracted by a handful of children or other exigencies, can t be measured. In fact, it s frequently not possible. Prayer, including the prayer of the liturgy, is difficult and we usually undertake it with grudging effort. Man, on the whole, does not enjoy prayer.
Prayer is irksome.
An excuse to omit it is never unwelcome. When it is over, this casts a feeling of relief and holiday over the rest of the day. We are reluctant to begin. We are delighted to finish. While we are at prayer .