Finbarr Clancy SJ answers the question about why is it important to go to mass.
Several of my friends no longer go to Mass regularly, and I’m often tempted to stop going myself. I sometimes think I only go to please my parents, who love the Mass. What is the point of going to Mass?
Before I answer your question, I would like to make a preliminary suggestion. It is often helpful to ask yourself if any Mass you have attended stands out as having been special for you in some way. Perhaps you were moved by the music the Scripture readings, the homily, the sense of community, the example and support of others at prayer, or the occasional moments of helpful quiet. You cannot turn on these experiences, of course, but it is good to be aware of them when they happen, and to cherish their memory.
Food beyond price
St Luke must have liked food! He often depicts Jesus going to a meal, sharing in a meal, or coming home from a meal. Meals in the gospels are always important. Frequently, it was at meals that Jesus said what was central in his teaching.
For example it was in the context of a meal that Jesus spoke of God’s mercy for wayward sinners like Zacchaeus (The cheating tax collector who climbed the tree to see Jesus pass by in Luke 19:1-10). The prodigal son (who has spent all his inheritance on drink, women and the good life, in Luke 15:11) was welcomed home with a big feast. Jesus used the image of a great feast to explain the kingdom of heaven in Luke 14:15-24. It was after feeding the multitudes that Jesus explained himself to be the ‘Living Bread from Heaven’ Luke 8:10-17 and John 6:1-58.
Similarly, after the resurrection, it was at the simple supper at Emmaus that his two followers recognised the risen Jesus, and at that moment all was changed for them. (Luke 24:13-35). A two-fold nourishment took place in that beautiful scene. Jesus first of all unlocked the message of the Scriptures, and then revealed himself as the risen Lord when he broke the bread to share among them. At Mass, we are also honoured guests at two tables, as it were: the table of God’s word – when we hear readings from the Scriptures and the table of the Eucharist, when we receive the host and chalice. At both we receive food beyond price.
Longing to be present
St Luke introduces the Last Supper of Jesus by telling us that he said he ‘ardently longed to eat this Passover’ with his disciples. (Luke 22:15). These were his friends he wanted to share his last meal with before his death on the cross. That meal was very special being the most celebrated meal of the Jewish calendar, the Passover.
We are helped by applying this to the Mass also. Jesus still longs ardently to be present with us, with the same intensity as at his last supper. In the light of this longing of Jesus to be with us, the phrase, ‘Mass is boring’ rings hollow indeed. This saying often slips out under pressure from others, and does not always express a deeply felt conviction. In any case, Jesus is never bored by our presence, even if we become a little fidgety at times!
At Mass, we are nourished by the Scriptures and by the Bread of Life. We attend to a mystery that is life-giving, transforming and challenging. We are invited not to be passive spectators seeking entertainment, but active participants. We are given the opportunity of sharing Jesus; company with the same intensity as those whom we read about in the Gospels sharing meals with him.
Memorial sacrifice
Jesus identified the bread and wine of his last supper with this body and blood, which would be given up, broken and poured out for our salvation through is sacrifice on the cross. The Eucharist and the cross are closely linked. The Mass is a memorial in a strong and living sense. At each Mass, God makes present and available to us, with lavish generosity, the saving power of the cross.
The dimension of time is now added, to include us in the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves of Living Bread. We are invited to receive this bread of life with the assurance that it will enable us to be raised up on the Last Day. The cross’ victory is united with us, helping us to grow into the likeness of the risen Christ. As an Irish poet put it, ‘In a crumb of bread is the whole mystery.’
Mission to the world
The disciples at Emmaus were so transformed by their meal with the risen Jesus that they rushed back speedily to Jerusalem in order to share the message with others. The Church is a Eucharistic community on a mission to the world. The Mass ends with the invitation, ‘God in the peace of Christ to love and serve the Lord’. If our ‘Amen’ as we receive communion is sincere, we are saying ‘Yes’ to receiving Christ, ‘Yes’ to being members of Christ, and ‘Yes’ to his other members, especially those who suffer, are lonely or in need.
Faith and love seek concrete expression. Young people often find this meaningful and attractive. They are good at showing others what is possible with a generous heart. Our faith can be meaningful and active if we allow it, and the Mass can inspire us deeply to be actively concerned for others.
Finally, you might think about his. Your parents draw strength from the Mass. Their love for you and the sacrifices they make for you are inspired by what they have experienced at Mass. Have you ever asked them why they value going to Mass? They might have something interesting to share with you, just as the two disciples, returning from Emmaus, had a great deal to tell.
This article first appeared in the
Messenger, a publication of the Irish Jesuits.
