"Lousy excuses don't cut it"Actually, here is the rule in Canon Law:
On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are obliged to assist at Mass. They are also to abstain from such work or business that would inhibit the worship to be given to God, the joy proper to the Lord's Day, or the due relaxation of mind and body (1247).The Catechism also says that we can only be excused "for a serious reason", and thus we have my original (very tongue in cheek) definition. "Serious reason" is not specifically defined, and in many instances that is left up to the individual. Just how sick a person really is, is not subject to the determination of others -- you know how sick you really are and how bad you really feel (and you know that God knows as well!). "I have a hangnail that is really bothering me" or "I'm having a bad hair day" are what we would categorize as a "lousy excuse".
We always tend to be too easy on ourselves when we make determinations about things like this. One general rule that people like to use (though it too can be abused) is "would you go to work?" If not, then you probably should not go to Mass. It would be helpful though if I gave a few examples of some things that are really "lousy excuses" (otherwise known as "justifying your sinful choice").
1) I can't drive myself and don't want to bother anyone else (most priests would be happy to find someone to come get you)We must also add to this list the "long term" excuses. Except for those in "mercy vocations" (doctors, nurses, police, firemen, etc.) where they help others who are in genuine immediate need, there is no job that can be considered a justifiable excuse for missing Mass (regardless of how much more money you can make). If someone has a job in which he believes it is necessary to work and miss Mass (Sundays, or Holy Days of Obligation), then he should check with his priest about it (before missing Mass). The priest may be able to give him a dispensation (and transfer the obligation to another day of the week), but that is up to the wisdom of the priest, not the individual's self-determination (ever!).
2) I'm not in the mood (all the more reason to grow in sanctification)
3) I have company, and they are not Catholic (the testimony of your commitment to your faith may be the very thing they need to be told about -- before they arrive!)
4) I forgot it was a Day of Obligation (there are a million resources to plan ahead for Holy Days and many people even ask for time off months in advance to make sure they can attend--if you care about it, you will do the work to make it possible!)
We all know why this subject is so sensitive to us in these modern days. Every one of us struggles with being told what to do, and extra "days of obligation" can seem like a silly rule (and terribly inconvenient in our self-focused busy lives). We often get a bit "snarky" when the Church gives commands that require certain distinct behaviors (do not eat meat, give money to the Church, etc.). Therefore, the discipline involved in obeying (especially when we struggle with the command) is there precisely for our own good. The Church does have the authority to tell us what to do in many and various areas of our lives, and being present at the amazing event of the sacrifice of the Holy Mass is not a "duty" as much as a "privilege".
How else can I say this other than to be direct and clear? Yes, in case anyone missed it: it is a grave sin to choose to miss Mass by our own action. Although there are legitimate reasons to be absent from a required Mass, we cannot take God's generosity for granted. If we really knew what was going on in the Mass (that remarkable miracle that occurs when Jesus comes to be physically present with us in the Eucharist), we would never ask whether it is "required", we would be seeking the next wonderful opportunity to attend!
What about those situations where someone does not actually miss Mass, but they are not genuinely present for the entire celebration? If you intentionally show up late (for whatever reason) you have not fulfilled your obligation. Yes, things happen (flat tires, unruly children, etc.), but those are out of our control; if you are in control of the decision, you are accountable. Also, if you intentionally leave early (i.e. before the final blessing) you are also not fulfilling your obligation. "Attend Mass" does not mean "attend until you no longer want to be there" but "attend all of it"! Once again, if we understand what the Mass is, we would want it to last longer, and not seek to find ways to avoid it.
Looking out at the pews at a particular Holy Day of Obligation last year, I prayed that those who were not present were attending somewhere else that day. I do not know their situation, but I know that priests all over say that attendance is rarely the same on Holy Days of Obligation as it is even on an average Sunday. Commitment to the Mass equals commitment to our Lord. If you do not want to be with Jesus in the Mass, how can you say you love Him? What is your commitment to the Mass itself? Do you struggle with the requirement? Ask the Lord to change your heart; seek to understand Christ better; and commit yourself to following Him--especially when you are not in the mood to do so!
