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What if the government issued the heartbreaking news that a giant meteor had just been detected and it was headed straight for Earth? In one month, this colossal event will wipe us all out. What would you do differently? How would you live your life?
One thing is for sure. Our churches would be overflowing with people. Why is that? If going to Mass would take such a high priority, then why don’t people go all the time? Our own meteor event could take place at any time with a car accident, heart attack or some other unforeseen tragedy. God calls us to make the right choices now – each and every day.
If you and your family are in a great spot spiritually, then praise God. What a wonderful place to be in! If you have drifted or your heart has grown cold, then we pray that this can be your wake-up call. The Good News is that God is anxiously awaiting our return to Him – no judgment or shame – just open arms!Why Mass?
“I can pray to God at home – why would I need to come to Mass?”
We can and we should be praying at home, in the car, on the way to work. That is great! Our relationship with God is 7 days a week – not just one day. However, Mass itself takes on a unique place in our spirituality. It is the source and summit of our faith.
There are many good reasons why we should go, but one of the most important is that we are to receive the Eucharist (the actual body of Christ himself) weekly – this is spiritual nourishment for our soul. Another is that we are social creatures. God calls us into communion with one another. We worship as one body of believers. The Church considers it a serious sin to skip Mass on Sundays, as it is one of the 10 Commandments to honor the Sabbath.
“Life is really busy and I sometimes have conflicts on the weekend.”
At Seton, we have several different Mass times (morning, afternoon and evening). It is hard to imagine that one of those times would not work. Ultimately, if something is important enough, we schedule around it. Like everything in life – we prioritize what we need to.
“Mass is not always to fun or enjoyable.”
It was never meant to fill our entertainment needs. We go to Mass to give thanks and praise to God for what He has done for us. We go to hear the Word of God and to receive the Eucharist. Regardless of how we may feel on any given Sunday, it does not take anything away from the beauty and power present within the Mass itself.
“My kids fight me about going and I get tired of making them.”
Kids do not like eating their vegetables, brushing their teeth or going to bed on time either, but we would not give up on these things. Why? Because we know, it is good for them even though they may not like it at the time. It is the same with Mass. We are laying an important foundation within them so they will have something to lean on, as they get older. As they grow in their faith and understanding, they will come to appreciate Mass much more than they ever did as a child.
We go to Mass to receive Jesus in the Eucharist to then go and be Jesus in the world. We need His sacramental grace to become more loving, holy and faithful. Mass is not just an obligation – it is a blessing! We sincerely hope and pray that you will embrace His grace and put Mass at the top of your family activities if you have not been doing so lately!
