Do I Really Need Mass?

Do I Really Need Mass?

How often do we find ourselves asking that very question? Every week? Occasionally? Or maybe it’s just those times when we find ourselves rushing to get ready, and in our frustration, wish we’d been better prepared. Or maybe! Just maybe! It's beginning to be more often than we care to admit.

Did I oversleep and decide it was to late to bother? Did I feel I had something more important to do and did that instead? Do I now find myself saying quite often, “do I really need to be at Mass every week?” If so, then let’s admit it; that’s where it begins!

We begin finding ourselves saying things like: I believe in God! I believe in Jesus Christ and accept His teachings. I believe I live a good Christian life and love others as I should. That should be enough! God sees I'm trying to be a good Catholic, and will take me to Heaven with Him when I die. Right?

If so, then we have to ask ourselves another question: Have I become so complacent in my faith that I have talked myself into believing just that!

If I believe that loving God and loving Jesus and accepting His teachings is enough to satisfy what God expects of me, than why do I need mass?

I'm not sure! But I can tell you this! For me, the answer is simple; I need Mass, “for me”!

Personally, every time I walk into my church, I am overcome immediately with a “sense of belonging there.” Someone is always there at the door to greet me and as I walk inside, I always receive a warm handshake and smile. I know that God is working through that person to welcome me into His home.

After, when I stop to dip my fingers in the bowl of holy water, I think about the graces and blessings that I am receiving, by just that simple act of making the sign of the cross. I feel God’s presence in me and I'm reminded that it was through this water, I was cleansed of original sin through my baptism.

As I find my way to a nearby pew, knowing it's my own special place to participate in the Mass, I kneel before the cross and pray a little prayer. I thank God for giving me another opportunity to be with Him today without interruption. I look forward to my time spent with Him, and if not for Mass, I would undoubtedly be caught up with some less important matter, that may have taken me away from my time with Him.

I sit and listen attentively to the readings and the gospel for that particular Mass, and as I do so, I'm reminded, that these readings are not left for my own interpretation. That it’s only through God’s holy servant who speaks to me from the altar, I will find true meaning in all that’s been written and spoken there.

As I take one last look at the crucifix, before genuflecting and leaving Mass, it occurs to me, that I'm not there because I'm obliged to be there! I'm there, simply, and most prophetically because I need to be there! I need God in my life! He, who created me!

The cross will always be my reminder how my Lord, Jesus Christ died for me. The Eucharist, reminds me of His last supper, and how He changed bread and wine into His body and blood. It reminds me that it is only through the Holy Eucharist of the mass, I can receive His body and blood, and know eternal life!

As I leave the church, and shake hands with my pastor, I thank God for this wonderful man, who has brought continued faith into my life. I thank God for his earthly sacrifice, to be an instrument of my faith, and share it with me every week. But most of, I thank God for the gift He has given him, the gift of taking ordinary bread and wine and changing it into His body and blood.

Happily, I walk to my car! I know I have spent another beautiful hour with God and His spiritual family. I know I walk away feeling a better person for putting Him first and foremost in my life, and I am grateful! Grateful that He died for me and brings Himself to me through the Holy Eucharist.

Truly, That's why I need the Mass!