In response to my beef with applause in church, Michael Shirley writes:
You do realize that applause is an expression of gratitude and appreciation, a way of saying “thank you,” and that becoming angry at such an expression of thanks is quite churlish? Don’t you? How do you know that’s not God’s way of acting through others?
If I were to say to someone who thanked me or complimented me on my singing “You shouldn’t say that; I’m storing up riches in heaven and I don’t do it for the thanks,” then I’ve spent all those riches and then some.
He also adds:
When a congregation wishes to thank a choir for their efforts, applause is about the only way to do it as a group. I imagine that one of the difficulties here is that musicians, who normally receive applause in a secular context for a performance, have difficulty seeing applause for their efforts in any context other than performance. Why not interpret it as gratitude for wonderful leadership in prayer? I’m sure God would appreciate applause now and then (although probably not at the consecration).
Be grateful for their prayers too, and if applause makes you uncomfortable, ask yourself if the problem is yours, not theirs.
Michael has a point about my lack of charity. I regret using the word “cheesed” to describe my feelings. “Cheesed” isn’t even a word! Let me restate my position. I think the focus should always be on the Mass – the perpetual sacrifice of Christ and His prayer to the Father. When fifty or so adults receive the Sacrament of Confirmation they deserve an enthusiastic acknowledgment of their full initiation in the Church. The congregation instead clapped for the choir. Applause for a musician or musicians makes their participation seem like a performance rather than leading in prayer or making a musical offering. Why not interpret it as gratitude for wonderful leadership in prayer? The priest brings us the Blessed Sacrament through his prayers, do we applaud for him at Mass?
John read this and said he was more churlish than me when it comes to applause for a musical group in Church. He sang “O Holy Night” during the Preparation of the Gifts at midnight Mass one Christmas Eve. When the song ended the entire church erupted in thunderous applause. When the church was silent again the pastor said “Pray, brethern, that our sacrifice be acceptable…” John was mortified.