CATECHISM 101 - The Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass: Part 2

Why do we go to Mass? Often, we go to Mass simply because we are supposed to. For us cradle Catholics we often go just because what we've always done. Yet, the first and primary reason we should participate in, rather than simply go to Mass is to give praise and glory to God. He, in turn sanctifies us, making us holier persons. We are a part of the Church, the Body of Christ, and participate in Mass to enter into a deeper relationship with God.

At the Mass, we are participants in the Passion, death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. When we participate in the Mass, we are at the Last Supper where he gave us his Body and Blood. We are standing at the foot of the Cross, with the crucified Jesus…crucified for our sins. We are in the garden at the entrance to the empty tomb rejoicing at his Resurrection. At the Mass, we suffer, die and rise to new life with Christ.

We don’t simply attend Mass, rather we assist at the Mass each week. This does not mean must take on a ministerial role, such as Eucharistic Minister or Lector, to be assisting at Mass. The people have a very real part and a very real place in the Mass. The parishioner is at the Mass not as a spectator, but as a participant.

If you attend a movie or a play, you simply sit in the crowd and watch the show. The show is a one-way action, a sort of monologue, on the screen or stage that we just sit back and watch. But the Mass is much different. There is an interaction that takes place – an interaction that is vital to the Mass. The priest has a specific role, the ministers have a specific role and the people have a specific role.

At the Mass, there is a dialogue that takes place between the priest, acting in the Person of Christ, and the people. We are in a conversation with Jesus Christ himself. At the Mass, participate in the actions of Christ. If we are talking with and acting with Christ at the Mass, how could we ever imagine simply sitting in the pews and watching with half-interest. We shouldn’t and we can’t. Christ calls us to be a part of the Mass. He calls us to be a part of his Passion, his death and his Resurrection. At the Mass, we die and rise to new life…with Christ.

posted by: crossman at 12:37 | link | comments (2) |
catechism 101

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