A distracted college student and his friend walk into a church

I was raised in a Catholic household, like many other children in a predominately Irish Catholic town. I pray three Hail Marys and Our Fathers before I leave my room every morning and try to go to mass every Sunday. This past Sunday, my friend and I were planning on going to mass near campus. I, being the early bird and wanting to have my day free for activities, thought that we were going to the non-existent 7:00 a.m. mass when in reality my friend thought we were going to the 7:00 p.m. mass (Sorry for sending you text messages before the sun even came up, Jane!).
Later on in the day, we met up outside of Jonas and walked down to the church. Attendance for the evening masses aren’t as high as the ones during the day, but are still very convenient for those who are unable to go during the earlier services. I felt a bit distracted at the time with everything that was racing through my mind: Senior Design, Residence Life, and organizations. However, once the priest was saying his homily, commentary after scripture being read, I really tuned in. His message spoke to me.
He mentioned that there are those who attend mass and are there, but really aren’t there. They attend mass, sit in the pews, take the sacrament, but their mind is elsewhere. They are preoccupied with everything else that is going on in their lives. They worry about the bills that need to be paid, the work that awaits them on Monday, or taking their kids to soccer practice. They forget why they are there at mass – to celebrate their faith and the Lord.
I found that I was sometimes like this whenever I attended mass. I was thinking of what tests I have coming up, what the next homework set covered and when it was due. Instead of reflecting on what the gospel was trying to convey, I was preoccupied with what I was going to wear to the next party or the next service event that I was going to attend. I lost sight of what church was supposed to be about for me. It’s not something that I do to occupy my time, pray for the Patriots to win that day, or an excuse to get away, but to reflect and celebrate my faith.
Even if you’re not religious at all, I still think that the message can be applied to a broader audience. Whatever you do in life, think of what you’re doing at that moment and take it in completely. Be in the now. Don’t worry too much about everything else. Allow yourself to focus in on what is important at that moment. When you’re in class, keep in mind why you are there and absorb all the information and learn as much as you can. Actively participate in your discussions and don’t be afraid to be wrong. When you’re in your interview, focus on your goal of putting your best face forward and don’t distract yourself by thinking about your next interview. All that matters is what is happening right now.