Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
Today, hype and the predominance of DJ sounds and vibrations are found not only on the dance floors of nightclubs and pubs, but also in many homes. The virus is so contagious that most young minds can’t help but follow its cues.
Some of us simply shout and yell in church and then go home exhausted. Are cliches like “Ride on, Sir”; “Tell them”; “Yes, Sir”; “Preach It!”; “Go deeper, Sir”; and “Speak to me, Sir” actually necessary? In recent years, many churches are adopting a philosophy that can be referred to as the “Hype movement”. In contrast to what you might generally expect from a church, it is a more contemporary approach of running a church that attracts members and delivers its messages in a fun-filled manner. It practically allows and weaves the very sound vibes that are operational in the secular into the sacred.
Without a question, this generation enjoys hype. Today, hype and the predominance of DJ sounds and vibrations are found not only on the dance floors of nightclubs and pubs, but also in many homes. The virus is so contagious that most young minds can’t help but follow its cues. Today’s churches are adopting this popular culture while some have their buildings constructed to corresponds with the frequencies of entertainments.
Hypes could be motivating and intriguing. Even the kings in some palaces are often moved into action on account of hype. However, we are concerned about the prevalence of such practice in the Church. Today, churches have their own hype men, just like the secular world does. Most preachers frequently engage in reciprocal hype, energizing both their congregations and themselves. Their messages give you a positive upbeat and a stimulated feeling that makes for a pleasant day but temporal satisfaction. Church hype is trending since it commands large attention and improves the results of donations, bazaar sales and other monetary issues.
Hype is not true to our Christian faith inasmuch as it allows exaggerated promises and incite members with unrealistic expectations. Jesus never hyped people to do what He wanted. He didn’t make grandiose claims to increase his followers. He was frank about the suffering and difficulties anyone who would follow His mandate would encounter. In Luke 14:25-33 He lays down the demands of discipleship. He used two parables to show that anyone choosing to be his follower must carefully consider their decision lest they subsequently revert to their previous behavior. If you do not consider the cost of building a house before embarking on it you may not finish well; if your armies are not strong enough do not go to the battle field. So, Christ wants us to weigh the demands of discipleship so that we can make informed decisions. Preachers, should expose members to the truth of the gospel without exaggeration, hype or compromise.
Father Daniel, “what happens when the Word of God becomes so thrilling?” The Word of God is ever new and so it has the capacity to thrill listeners or readers. More so, the preacher’s use of phrases and languages that his listeners are familiar with will increase this effect. When he speaks their language and conveys his ideas in an understandable manner, his audience will be thrilled and enthusiastic. At such moments it is important to remember that there are other people in the church. Instead of shouting, kindly note down such eternal lines or facts. Hyping at such moments may only lead to pride which may thwart the truth that is being expressed.
Father Daniel, “are you saying that humor during homily is bad?” Speech communication experts emphasize the value of appropriate humor. Preachers must not necessarily make use of humor during homilies or deliver them in a lighthearted tone. However, homily humor must adhere to the main theme of the day. If it doesn’t help to clarify the theme, it should be excluded. The best homily humor is one which is pertinent to the subject matter. In his book, “Preaching: The Art and the Craft” Walter Burghardt states that “Homiletic humor should be part and parcel of the homily, woven into its warp and woof.” The same applies to those who tell stories. All should be of genuine relevance to the subject matter regardless of laughter.
More often than not, during the mass, people applaud the priest, choristers and cantors as if it were a performance or a competition. Is this really acceptable? Applause that occurs during the liturgical celebration in response to a liturgical role is a sure evidence that the original purpose of the liturgy has been displaced by entertainment. Why do you have to clap in response to the homily? Both the priest and the choir are not performing or preaching in order to amuse or impress the audience. Pope Saint Pius X said, “It is not fitting that the servant should be applauded in his Master’s house.”
Consequently, number 45 of the “General Instruction of the Roman Missal” states that “Sacred silence is to be observed at designated times… within the Act of Penitence and again after the invitation to pray, all recollect themselves; but at the conclusion of a reading or the homily, all meditate briefly on what they have heard…” It adds that “even before the celebration itself, it is commendable that silence be observed in the church, in the sacristy, in the vesting room, and in adjacent areas, so that all may dispose themselves to carry out the sacred action in a devout and fitting manner.” Little wonder, Robert Cardinal Sarah wrote the book; “The Power of Silence Against the Dictatorship of Noise” a recommended read. We need to commit ourselves to sacred silence and shun the noise that conflict our sacramental character and the sanctifying effects of our worship. John Paul II noted “One aspect that we must foster in our communities with greater commitment is the experience of silence. We need silence ‘if we are to accept in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely to the Word of God and the public voice of the Church’… The Liturgy, with its different moments and symbols, cannot ignore silence.” (Spiritus et Sponsa, n.13)
Another query that comes to mind is the function of the vote of thanks during the liturgy or the issue of feedback. Even though the church de-emphasizes irregular applause during the mass. She is also aware that there are circumstances in which it is necessary. For example; at a larger ceremony, anniversaries and the likes. However, it does not take the place of silence and meditation. And if it is done within the liturgy, such additional functions are not intrinsically part of the liturgy. It is allowed simply because an individual or a group has taken up a special responsibility and such gratitude is expressed with all sincerity and humility. Similarly, feedbacks and encouragement rather than hype can be sent to preachers or choristers directly or through suggestion boxes. If this must be made public then it must not be within the mass.
Some claim that majority of these occurrences usually take place in pentecostal churches. Though they found their stability in pentecostalism, it is a reality that it is slowly occurring in Catholic Churches as well. The list of ways pentecostalism has tarnished the beauty of worship, even in the Catholic church, might go on and on at this time. That will probably be a subject for another day. So before I pull that trigger, it is sufficient to remind us that the second Vatican council repeatedly emphasized the importance of the liturgy in the Church’s life. “The Liturgy is the source and summit of the life of the Church.” (Sacrosantum Concilium, no. 10) Thus, any departure from the prescribed pattern of worship disrespects the heritage of unity that the Trinity represents and the legacy which Christ bestows to His Church.
