Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 2
When Samantha said that Mass felt “empty” because “it was never explained… why we did things or what it all meant,” what does her experience suggest God wants from worshipers—mere participation, understanding, relationship, obedience, or something else?
Another way to ask: If Mass felt empty because no one explained what it meant, what does that suggest God wants from worship—just showing up, understanding, a real relationship, obedience, or something else?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Her experience suggests that mere participation in worship forms without understanding and relationship can feel hollow, and that God intends worship to connect to meaning, truth, and knowing Him—not just going through motions.
- She says she “could really appreciate the traditions and the rituals of Mass,” and she “did enjoy that.”
- Yet she adds, “at the same time it also felt very empty for me.”
- She identifies the reason: “It was never explained to me why we did things or what it all meant.”
- She gives a concrete example: “things like baptism, you just did it because it was part of the process… You just did.”
- She ties emptiness to lack of relationship: “God was never presented to me as… a God I could have a relationship with.”