St. Paul tells us today on this Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ that “we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.” Do you feel that as you journey in the Communion procession? Do you celebrate our communion with Christ and each other at every mass in which we participate? We humans have a difficult time being in the moment of any moment in which we are living. It is so easy to be distracted by any other thing instead of focused on what is right in front of us—and mindful, attentive, concentrated focus takes practice.
Many studies have shown that the duration of concentration for most of us is 8 seconds. We now have a shorter attention span than goldfish, a study found. Yep. Insulting, I think, but true. Attention span was defined as “the amount of concentrated time on a task without becoming distracted.” From an article of New York Times writer Timothy Egan about this: “The true scarce commodity” of the near future will be “human attention.” Egan says how “he can no longer wait in a grocery store line, or linger for a traffic light, or even pause long enough to let a bagel pop from the toaster, without reaching for his smartphone.” Yikes!
Egan suggests some ‘old school’ remedies for practice in sustained attention. He suggests gardening—everything responding in its’ own sweet time. He suggests reading a large tome (yes, an actual book) like “The History of the Roman Empire.” I want to add my own suggestions to his good ones. I suggest sustained prayer—although you may have to start with a shorter time and “grow” it. You can even garden while you do so or take a walk if sitting still is too difficult initially.
I also recommend (big surprise!) studying music. The focus and concentration it takes can be challenging—as challenging as the actual playing and singing of music. Music is a big part of our liturgy, participating together, focused on the sung prayer.
What does all this have to do with today at mass? The first solution to any problem is the acknowledgement of the problem. Search your hearts. Are you distracted at mass? Are you focused on what is taking place—the Word, the prayers and songs, the miracle of the Eucharist? If not, then I suggest you begin practicing: start praying, get gardening, commence reading, and keep singing!
Just a Note: After today’s celebration the Music Ministry begins its summer hiatus of rest and recouperation, relaxation and respite after a very busy year of service. Please thank any member for their commitment and love for St. Aidan, evinced in all their dedication and work. They will return to sing in September—blessings on them for their music!
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
Many studies have shown that the duration of concentration for most of us is 8 seconds. We now have a shorter attention span than goldfish, a study found. Yep. Insulting, I think, but true. Attention span was defined as “the amount of concentrated time on a task without becoming distracted.” From an article of New York Times writer Timothy Egan about this: “The true scarce commodity” of the near future will be “human attention.” Egan says how “he can no longer wait in a grocery store line, or linger for a traffic light, or even pause long enough to let a bagel pop from the toaster, without reaching for his smartphone.” Yikes!
Egan suggests some ‘old school’ remedies for practice in sustained attention. He suggests gardening—everything responding in its’ own sweet time. He suggests reading a large tome (yes, an actual book) like “The History of the Roman Empire.” I want to add my own suggestions to his good ones. I suggest sustained prayer—although you may have to start with a shorter time and “grow” it. You can even garden while you do so or take a walk if sitting still is too difficult initially.
I also recommend (big surprise!) studying music. The focus and concentration it takes can be challenging—as challenging as the actual playing and singing of music. Music is a big part of our liturgy, participating together, focused on the sung prayer.
What does all this have to do with today at mass? The first solution to any problem is the acknowledgement of the problem. Search your hearts. Are you distracted at mass? Are you focused on what is taking place—the Word, the prayers and songs, the miracle of the Eucharist? If not, then I suggest you begin practicing: start praying, get gardening, commence reading, and keep singing!
Just a Note: After today’s celebration the Music Ministry begins its summer hiatus of rest and recouperation, relaxation and respite after a very busy year of service. Please thank any member for their commitment and love for St. Aidan, evinced in all their dedication and work. They will return to sing in September—blessings on them for their music!
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
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