Can a rare meeting justify interrupting a teacher or monastic at any time?

Wanting to use a rare opportunity for guidance is understandable, but consider the occasion. Someone conducting a ritual or other work cannot continually be interrupted for personal questions.

At a refuge ceremony, Master Sheng Yen was explaining its meaning when a devotee loudly insisted on asking because meetings were rare. The master stopped him without answering directly, but he continued shouting. Later the master directed him to reception staff afterward and firmly reminded him to do the appropriate thing at the appropriate time. I no longer recall the question's details, but the repeated interruptions remain vivid.

Initially I wondered why a compassionate senior monk was so stern. Later I recognized his responsibility for everyone's refuge ceremony. The questioner's urgency and officiant's duties both matter in understanding that reminder.

I also understand eagerness to greet and approach Mazu in procession. It need not be malicious or mocked, but method and timing remain important. A rare meeting does not require all ongoing matters to stop for personal needs.