When high performance athletes have an upcoming game, there are all kinds of routines and protocols that they follow to be best prepared for peak performance. We as Catholics should be even more diligent in our preparation for Holy Mass.
Think about it: shouldn't Mass be an even more significant event in our lives than a sports competition (and this is coming from someone who has competed all his life!) The Mass is the summit of our life; it is the Superbowl, World Cup, World Series and Stanley Cup finals all in one.
We as men and women of faith should also realize that we are participants in the Mass, not just mere spectators. Due to the sheer significance of the miracle taking place in the Eucharistic celebration in Mass – receiving our saviour – there are many things that we can do to prepare ourselves well.
Attire: In sports we dress appropriately for the game. In fact the team uniform and the proper padding and equipment are mandatory for the enjoyment, success, and safety of all participants. As we get ready for Mass we should be dressing in a way that is pleasing to God while allowing all in the church to still be focused on the altar, not on us. Mass isn't a fashion show.
Eating: Coaches, trainers, nutritionists, and team physicians will help athletes to eat to win, especially on the day of a game. Players will be monitored so that they are not eating the wrong things or eating too close to game time. I remember once when I was young going on court for a big tennis match against a top player and I had a hamburger in my hand. This was NOT a good idea. Similarly for Mass we should try to not eat an hour before receiving the Eucharist in order to give proper reverence to the body of Christ but also to best prepare what is about to become the resting place for Jesus.
Equipment: The player makes sure all his/her equipment is in good repair, just the way they like it. (The New England Patriots may have gone too far on this point in "Deflategate.") The equipment we need is a rosary, possibly a prayer book, your glasses if necessary, and your contribution envelope.
Warm up: The timing of and the structure of a pre-game warm up is very specific and monitored closely both in content and length (down to the second). For the sake of preventing injuries and allowing the best range of movement/motion, these routines are considered vital for success. Coaches will also give a pep talk that gets the team fired up and the adrenaline flowing. Athletes at this point are at an incredible level of intensity.
For Mass most Catholics don't really do much thinking about Mass as we rush out the door. We should acknowledge our specific sins and be praying for God's infinite mercy and the grace to receive Jesus properly. Have a repentant heart and perhaps say an Act of Contrition. At the beginning of Mass we are asked to acknowledge our sins in order to be better prepared, but we should start this process well before Mass. We should know who we are offering the Mass for and pray for focus throughout Mass so that we love Jesus completely and don't get distracted. We need to be at the deepest level of love for Jesus at this point.
Tactical game plan: Leading up to the big game we will do a scouting report on our opponents. We want to know their tendencies, strengths and weaknesses in order to develop our game plan and increase our chances of victory. For Mass I would suggest looking at the readings and Gospel, contemplate on them, and ask the Holy Spirit to touch your heart to receive the word more fully and allow you to see how you can implement the word in your daily life.
We all need to prepare well for Mass so that we can claim the eternal crown, the biggest victory of our life.