When my oldest son took driver's education he learned that he knew less about operating a car than he thought. One of his biggest 'ah, ha' moments was when he learned the true purpose of the rear view mirror. He learned that it was indeed not for monitoring what's going on in the back seat and catching a child doing something he shouldn't! A rear view mirror allows the driver to clearly see what's going on outside and around the car, to gauge where the car is in relation to other obstacles, to help anticipate dangerous situations, and to take advantage of safe opportunities on the road.
Likewise, when my second son took driver's education, he learned the true purpose of the hazard lights button. It was not, in fact, a button to be pushed just before the car exploded to signal a warning to other driver's who might be caught in the blast radius! Hazard lights indicate to other drivers to use care in approaching, overtaking, or passing. They signal that there is an emergency, such as, a mechanical breakdown or car accident.
I believe that if we all had a better understanding of the true purpose of the Catholic Mass, we would never, EVER miss another Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation!
The Mass is not about God catching us doing something wrong and His opportunity to punish us. The Mass is not something we seek out when all else fails and we are in imminent danger. The Mass is a Love Story. It's about a groom seeking His bride. It's a wedding feast. It's a free gift of sanctifying grace. The Mass is about our selfless offering, His selfless sacrifice, His VERY PRESENCE. The Mass is about community and family. Its about support, guidance, encouragement, and instruction. The Mass is about contrition, forgiveness, and mercy. It's about boosting morale, summoning His strength and courage, and sending us out to bring Christ to the world!
If you've been away from the Mass or you don't recognize anything in the above paragraph as relating to the Mass you've been to lately, I encourage you first to pray for God's free gift of Faith; one of the Theological Virtues. Secondly, educate yourself about what's really and truly happening at every Mass. I recommend Behold The Mystery: A Deeper Understanding of the Catholic Mass by Mark Hart (2014). The best thing about the Mass is that even if you don't understand or even recognize the miracle happening there, you still receive all the grace (Christ's Very Life) when you give your full, active, and conscious participation!
Don't miss Mass this weekend!
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