Attending Mass is a requirement for Catholics. I understand this fact, but also realize that some people need further encouraging in order to make Mass attendance a regular part of their lives. I look at Mass as an incredible invitation to spend time both in community and with the Lord. I truly love going to Mass and just don’t feel right if/when I miss. So here are my ten reasons to going to Mass that you can share with others to encourage them to go to Mass as well!
- The Eucharist. I get it less than 50% of Catholics believe in the real presence of the Lord. Faith is not exercised by things we 100% know and understand, but rather it is exercised when we don’t know everything yet choose to believe. The Eucharist, per the Catechism of the Catholic Church, is the source and summit of our faith. We should treat it as such.
- It is an opportunity to give thanks. When friends of mine have challenged me on why I choose to go to church, I have routinely said, I have too much to be thankful for not to go. I feel this way every time I look at all the Lord has blessed me with. Interestingly enough, the term Eucharist originates from the Greek word eucharista, meaning thanksgiving.
- It is an opportunity to bring all of our fear, doubt, and hurt to the Lord in an intentional manner. Do you have a good friend that you talk to when things are getting hard? Of course, you do. Sharing our struggles with those we love is important. Our Lord loves us more than we will ever be able to understand. Thanking the Lord for our blessings is important, but bringing our fear, doubt and hurt is equally important. There is an old saying that, “a problem shared is a problem halved.” Attending Mass is a great way to reflect on our life and share our crosses with the ultimate cross bearer.
- It is an opportunity to be inspired. There are so many beautiful parts of Mass, that it is easy to be inspired. Additionally, there are things outside of Mass that are beautiful. We have incredible artwork that inspires. The music does the same thing. But something that I am continually inspired by is older couples holding hands at Mass. In a way, they are saying, “here we are Lord, after all we have been through, and we are still holding on, thanks to you.” Look around at Mass this weekend, see what inspires you.
- It is an opportunity to inspire others. Maybe you are part of that older couple holding hands, inspiring the younger couples to stick it out. Maybe you are the high school student who chooses to attend Mass, even when the rest of your family cannot. Maybe you are the young family, getting all of your kids gathered, so you can be at Mass as a family. Maybe you are the 100-year-old who still attends Mass every week. Whoever you are, know that people are watching and people are inspired by your presence at Mass. Thank you!
- It is the best way to spend an hour. The week can be overwhelming. We have work. We care for our families. We try to grow in strength and intelligence. Days go by quick. We need a break. The Mass offers an intentional hour to combat the other 167 hours our week offers. Take advantage of it. Did you know that the word Mass comes from the Latin word, “Missa,” meaning a sending? Mass is meant to rejuvenate our souls and send us back into society. Take advantage of this opportunity and realize you are being sent forth to change the world!
- Have you ever felt worse after attending Mass? When I was younger, I often looked forward to attending Mass, because this is what my family did no matter what. On vacation, we would go to Mass together. Attend a family party, we would go to Mass together. Getting along perfectly, we would go to Mass together. Not getting along all that well, still, we went to Mass together. No matter what we were thinking heading into Mass, we always felt better coming out. Be intentional with this thought the next time you step into church. Note how you felt beforehand and how you felt leaving. My guess is you almost always feel better after attending Mass.
- Exercising spiritual discipline is as important, or more important, than any other exercised discipline in our life. We applaud people for being in shape physically, because they are disciplined in both eating and exercising. We applaud people who are learned, for their commitment to read and take part in educational opportunities. Attending Mass on a weekly basis is a spiritual exercise that pays far greater dividends than all of the more often noted disciplines in one’s lives.
- It is an awesome time to give back. Mass is a wonderful opportunity to give back to a community. Do you have a strong voice? Serve as a reader. Do you have the gift of hospitality? Serve as an usher. Do you have a beautiful singing voice? Serve as a cantor or a member of the choir. The Mass is enhanced by the involvement of the community. Speaking to points 4 and 5, volunteering is a great way to inspire others and to be inspired.
- The Eucharist. There is nothing more important than the Eucharist. And, yes, I realize I have this listed as reason 1 as well, but it is so important we need to list it twice. Currently, there is a huge movement, entitled the National Eucharistic Revival that is working to restore and renew our understanding and devotion to the worship of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Stay tuned for upcoming events that are being offered within our Family of Parishes and participate in them.
Whether you feel you fully understand the Eucharist or if you are struggling to understand, bring everything you feel to these events, and keep bringing them to Mass each and every week. There is no doubt in my mind that our trust in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist will renew our world. Let’s embrace this together. I’ll see you at Mass!