Leavin’ Early? How ‘Bout Stayin’ Later?

One of the great summer activities is to attend a Tiger baseball game at Comerica Park. Whether they win or lose is another story, but just going to the game is a fun experience. One of the most tragic events for fans in baseball (or in any sport for that matter), is to leave early and find out as you exit the ballpark, that after spending a lot of money, you missed your hometown Tigers rally back to upset their opponent in the bottom of the ninth with a “walk-off” home-run (also known as a come-from-behind victory that allows a team to win with one swing of the bat). If only those people who had left the ballgame prematurely had stayed to watch the dramatic and exciting ending, it would have been all worth it, but they left early in the eighth inning and missed the victory that took place in the ninth, something you can’t get back.

Similarly, while one can leave the ballgame early and miss the best part, there can be a tendency and even a strong temptation to exit early in our spiritual lives. What important part am I referring to? The Mass, particularly right after Holy Communion, which in many cases may not even be for one hour. How often, so many people in parishes across the country and perhaps around the world, bolt toward the exit after Holy Communion. What are the reasons for this strange but common phenomenon? To make sure they are out first and don’t have to fight against an extra minute or two of parking lot traffic? To shop? To go out to a restaurant for a meal that can wait? Are those legitimate excuses? Jesus, while suffering through his agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, asked his disciples, “You could not keep watch with me for one hour?” (Mt. 26:40, Mk. 14:37). Jesus asked this question and found his disciples asleep three times. Could we not give Jesus one hour per week? What could be more important on Sunday (or if we choose the Saturday, 4pm Mass), than to celebrate Mass…all the way to the end with our parish community? Nothing.

One of the unique things I have heard but have not yet seen in person is a sign at the back of a church that reads, “Judas left early too.” Fr. Michael Cooney, the pastor at St. Peter Catholic Church in Mt. Clemens, put up the sign at each of the three exits in the back of his church as “a bit of Irish diplomacy.“ While this could be interpreted harshly, I believe it could be perceived with a bit of humor, because it raises some good questions. While it is true that people leave Mass early after Holy Communion, what value would people need to be shown in order to inspire them to stay until the end? Here are five reasons I came up with as good reasons to stay until the end of Mass. What would be yours?

1). Thanksgiving – Take some time to thank God for just having consumed Jesus, the King of the Universe, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. To receive the Eucharist, a term that means “thanksgiving,” is now an opportunity to thank Jesus for the incredible gift of himself to you and me.
2). Final Blessing – It’s important that before we go out to give witness from what we just received through hearing God’s Word and in receiving the Eucharist, that we receive a final blessing from Jesus through the priest.
3). Closing Hymn – End the Mass by staying long enough to sing the closing hymn, which shows a good example of participation.
4). Receptions – After many of the Masses, there are receptions of food for different events that are not to be wasted. If you haven’t eaten breakfast, this could be a source of nourishment. This leads me to the next point, which is just as important if not more important than #4, and that is…
5). Fellowship – Fellowship brings a community closer together and strengthens us when we come together in Christ. It gives us all an opportunity to come to know one another more and at a deeper level when we come face-to-face in a one-on-one encounter, which is a good thing…something technology (like cell phones and computers) can’t give.

I challenge you not to leave early but to come back to your pew after Holy Communion. Everything else, including and especially a Tiger ballgame in which the club is losing often by the way, can wait. Nothing is more important than giving praise, thanks and worship to God. We are called weekly to give God his due (a form of justice) with sincere and contrite hearts as we reflect on all the blessings he has bestowed upon us in the past week. Rather than come late and leave early, let’s pray for an attitude of coming early and stayin’ late!

– Fr. Jeff Allan

Author: Fr. Jeff Allan

Biography - Fr. Jeff Allan, was ordained a Catholic priest on June 7th, 2014 for the Archdiocese of Detroit (AOD). He graduated from Adrian College in 2001 with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Criminal Justice. After working in the pharmaceutical sales industry for almost three years, he felt called to discern the priesthood. Before being ordained a priest, Fr. Jeff was blessed to receive three degrees from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. They include a Bachelor of Philosophy, Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology (STB), and a Master of Divinity (Theology). His assignments in the U.S. have included serving at multiple parishes in the Archdiocese of Detroit as an associate pastor and currently as a weekend assistant. Fr. Jeff is certified as a hospital chaplain through ACPE (Association for Clinical Pastoral Education). He has had the opportunity of serving at three Metro-Detroit Area Hospitals since 2017 where he serves in full-time ministry as a Catholic Priest and Hospital Chaplain. View all posts by Fr. Jeff Allan