GET THE MOST OUT OF THE MASS

Why do we go to Mass? The fundamental answer to this question that should from our minds and hearts is: It is God’s third Commandment that we must fulfill in our way of Christian Living. Secondly, we go because we are hungry: hungry for the Word of God that inspires to live for Jesus; hungry for the Bread that feeds our souls.

After we receive God’s Word, we prepare to receive the nourishment that the Body of Christ brings. As I reflected on the Gospel, the message is clear and enlightening: this Body and Blood of Christ lead us to Eternal Life (Jn. 6:54). If we want to live God, we need to receive the Body of his Son given to us now. Many Catholics are going to Mass now with a purpose, an understanding of what they are doing. But still we must deepen our faith in the Eucharist to draw from its fountain of blessings. Let me give you with some guidelines.

First, we must PREPARE. We make sacrifice for the Mass by fasting one hour before COMMUNION. This shows us how important is the spiritual food we are to receive. Then we come to Mass on time punctually. So many people miss the meaning and the blessing of the Mass because they come late and leave before the dismissal. Coming late habitually means that the Mass is not very important in our lives since we do not do it in our school, office, meetings, or even going to the movies.

Second, we PARTICIPATE. How? By listening to the prayers, the readings and the homily. When was the last time we truly intently listened? Also by refraining from unnecessary distraction like talking loudly with others, texting and talking with cellphones and distractive movements that disturb our attention to the Mass. We participate also with our bodies. Since we are temples of the Holy Spirit, we offer Him ourselves as we sit, kneel and stand. Unless we are sick, we must observe these gestures properly. A central part of the Eucharist that shows our participation is when we receive the Body of Christ in Communion. Make it a prayerful experience. Say “AMEN” as you receive the Lord not “Thank You” or simply nod. Receive the Lord in the tongue or in hands that are clean and clear of wallets, bags or hankies.

Third, always PRAY. The Eucharist is the highest form of prayer because we are surrounded by the powerful presence of Jesus. Prayer does not mean reading or mumbling but being totally present to the Lord. That is why we must be sensitive to the Lord’s presence before, during and after the Mass itself. Let us not just come to Mass. Let us truly draw from its riches and enjoy its manifold blessings and God-given graces.

Who is a Christian Steward? One who receives God’s gifts gratefully, cherishes and tends them in a responsible and accountable manner, shares them in justice and love with all, and returns with increase to the Lord. This definition is rooted biblical and church tradition, and it corresponds with Almighty God’s decision to entrust to humanity the universe God has created (Gen. 1:26-31) and with Jesus Christ’s famous parable of the Talents (Mt.25: 14-36)

This Sunday is Fathers’ Day. Let us pray for all the fathers in our parish, living and dead, especially those we have placed on the TREE OF ETERNAL LIFE. I always remember in my life, my father’s piece of advice to make one’s life financially stable: “NEVER SPEND MORE THAN WHAT YOU EARN AT WORK.” On the 19th, Monday begins the 11th Week in the Ordinary Time. On the 21st, we celebrate the Feast of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, the Patron of the Youth. Summer begins on this day. Two solemnities are celebrated on the 23rd, the Feast of the Sacred Heart and on the 24th, the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. This is all for now, watch for the next bulletin. God Bless!

Your Priest –

Servant and Parochial Administrator,

Fr. Reggie