If you started the Challenge with Day 1 falling on a Monday, or if you are doing this weekly, today should come as no surprise.
Where would we be without the Mass? The consummation of our love affair with God? The apex of our faith? The point where we become one with our Creator, unifying ourselves with the Son as "we are what we eat." (It just doesn't apply to fat.)
In a world where the Sunday Mass has given way to soccer practice and a host of other excuses, to be dedicated to this practice is to keep holy the Sabbath. Mere attendance, however, is not what is expected.
It has been made clear through one teaching or another (and if it hasn't, then let this humble Project be the first to inform you) that we are to participate fully, actively, and consciously. This requires effort on our part.
Effort that we do not rely one emotion to drive us in Liturgy.
Effort that we are informed as to what the readings are so that we can listen with the ears of the soul to what God has to say to us.
Effort that we are able to worship in the way that the Creator made us to, responding with our soul rather than just with our mouths. Singing with all that we are rather than blending in to not stand out. It always made sense to me that in a musical the character would sing when the emotion of the situation made talking impossible. Two young lovers singing of their love. The solo of the villian espousing his hate. The last song of the condemned man. It is the same in the Mass. Look at each point where music accompanies our response. Our emotion should carry us beyond speech.
The idea that the Liturgy, the Mass, is driven by the celebrant and the measure of a "good Mass" is if we can understand the priest, if the priest gives a homily that makes us laugh or think at some point, and if the homily isn't too long, is so beyond what the Mass is, it cannot be considered as an argument. If you find yourself dwelling on any of these three and think they are a reason to "not enjoy" or even to not attend Mass, then I would ask you to reevaluate your priorities.
It is the Eucharist where we consume the Lord of the Universe so that His Grace may fill us and make us saints. We should attend for that alone.
It is the Gospel where God, the Creator of us all speaks to our hearts, giving us the food we need in order to live out our call to holiness. We should attend for that alone.
It is in the community of believers that we come together to ask forgiveness for our sins, to forgive others, and to encourage each other in the faith. We should attend for that alone.
It is in the Church where we are able to offer our full selves to God on the altar, broken in our sinfulness, yet desiring redemption, forgiveness, and holiness so that God may transform our broken selves into the Body of Christ. We should attend for that alone.
It is in the celebrant that we are able to witness the offering of the Last Supper, the rememberance of Calvary, that One Sacrifice. We should attend for that alone.
It should not be the music, even though it may be for some.
It should not be the homily, even though it may be for some.
It should not be to socialize, even though it may be for some.
There are those that believe that the Latin language is the only language for Mass and that only Gregorian Chant should be sung. There are those that believe you should use contemporary music in order to speak to certain generations. There are those that encourage dressing up. There are those that encourage a "come as you are" policy. There are those that in the next few years will fight the changes in wording for the congregation and the priest. There are those that will accept them, champion, them. There are those that will say certain people should not receive communion because they are in a sin of scandal and others that believe everyone should receive.
I am thankful that I do not have to make any of those decisions.
I can control one thing at Mass.
My own full, conscious, and active participation.
For me it is not about the homily, even though I appreciate one that is short and to the point without indulging in pointless banter.
For me it is not about the music, even though I enjoy praise and worship music as much as I enjoy chant.
For me it is not about how many people are there, even though I love it packed to the rafters.
For me it is not about the behavior of the people there, although when my daughters behave I am able to concentrate more.
For, it is my own ability to focus on the Eucharist.
To focus on simply Jesus.
To focus on the one thing so that I may be one with the Body so that I can be one with the Body.
Perhaps I am too simple.
Perhaps today will not be a challenge for you at all. If not, then congratulations.
For me, for you, attend Mass with a passion today. Read the readings ahead of time. Engage in active listening during the homily and Eucharistic prayer. Become a living part of the Body of Christ.
Questions for Reflection:
- How do you view the Mass? As a chore? As an opportunity? Is there anything that you would change? Why? Is that because it is your perspective or what God wants?
- In what way can you more actively participate in Mass? Do you read the readings ahead of time? Do you allow yourself time to pray ahead of time? Do you engage the other people when you are there?
- How do you respond when others criticize the Liturgy? Do you join in? Become a vocal defender? Lead by example? How do you believe Christ would want you to react?
- What is your answer to the question, "Why do you go to Mass on Sunday?" (What is your answer to the question, "Why DON'T you go to Mass on Sunday?")
- How has the Eucharist changed your life? How would you like the Eucharist to change your life?
- Go to Mass and participate in a more active way than you usually do. (Sing more, respond more, pray before or after)
- Read the readings of the day and construct your own homily. Compliment the priest on the homily despite what you thought of it. (Find something to like)
- Attend Mass one extra time during the week.
- Read the readings of the day for the times you cannot attend Mass this week.
- Ask someone in the congregation at Mass you don't normally talk to what you can pray for. Then pray for them.
Attend Mass.
