I went to Mass recently. Daily Mass. About 40 people there. A priest and 2 servers.

The priest told no jokes, did not even say "good afternoon," obviously clear on what "Greeting" means in the rite.

He spoke clearly, was restrained in his demeanor, keeping his own personality in check.

He didn’t add a word or gesture to the rite and rubrics.

He preached a 4-minute homily on the double meaning of the Greek word in the Gospel reading, that can mean either "born again" or "from above."

Along with the servers, he processed out after Mass, heading to the sanctuary.

After Mass, he greeted people. During Mass, he was all business – or shall we say – all prayer. There was no other agenda at work, it seemed – no anxiety about geting people "involved" or "participating," no determination to stamp the experience with any particular theme or have it reflect your personality or priorities, no fervid "community building" since, you know, when you trust that Jesus is doing that through the Eucharist, you really don’t have to worry that it’s all on your shoulders or else.

It was refreshing.

Pray the liturgy, and get out of the way. A decent motto for anyone presiding at prayer. Try it.