Why Be Catholic Part III

Dear Friends,

Over the last two weeks, we addressed ways to invite others back to church. Today, I want to write about ways to explain the Mass to someone who has been away and may be uncertain as to why the Mass should be a value in their life.

First, you need to be willing to give testimony as to what the Mass is and why it matters to you. You cannot pass on what you have not yet caught, and you cannot give what you do not possess. So, say a prayer before sharing the faith. Let the Holy Spirit lead you. Be sure that you yourself value the Mass by attending it as you should!

Second, share what the Mass is. Hopefully, such an explanation will be of interest and give pause for further talks, meditation, and desire on the part of the offer.

The Mass Is:

An unbloody representation of Calvary. When we go to Mass, we enter history, going back 2,000 years to stand at the cross of Christ. Although he died once for all, the Mass is a daily representation of that Sacrifice. We appreciate the cross and glory in the ultimate gift of love, Jesus death for us.
An opportunity at community. We are not built to be alone. God is a unity of three in the Holy Trinity. He expects us to live and worship in community. The Faith is not selfish or individual. It is communal. So, we come to church to be with others who have the same struggles, hurts, joys, and blessings, with people who are just like us, pilgrims on a journey to Heaven.
A duty and an act of love. We go to Mass because God commands us, “Keep Holy the Sabbath Day.” We go to Mass to reflect what Jesus did. “He went to Synagogue, as He was in the habit of doing.” The Mass is also our way of expressing God’s love for us, and us for Him. God loves us! We go to church to physically and formally love Him back.
A gift. At church we receive the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ. Jesus tells us, “that unless we, eat His body and drink His blood, we have no life within us.” You can’t get it at home, only at church, and in the Holy Mass. The Eucharist transforms us into Christ. There is an emptiness, a void without this great gift.