The Master is here, and is calling you!

Motivations for Mass

In our society filled with busy schedules, many treat Sunday like just another day. Catechists lament that their students do not attend Mass regularly. Many who do attend have no issue with “skipping” a few weeks. Yet, Sunday Mass is a weekly obligation and is based on the Third Commandment, i.e. divine law: “Remember the Sabbath day. Keep it holy” (Ex 20:8). All of the Commandments are serious matter, so to deliberately miss Sunday Mass without a just reason is a mortal sin. Church Law also obliges us to assist at Mass on certain Holy Days.  However, there are reasons that excuse us from this obligation; e.g. illness, unsafe weather conditions, caring for the sick or infants. We are also to keep Sunday by refraining from work so that it can be a day of rest and prayer. Going to Mass merely to fulfill a Church law alone does not suffice. Tom Hoopes on the Aleteia website provides eight other motivations to go to Mass and sees them as a means of evangelization:

1. Tell others how Sunday Mass transforms your life. A commitment to never miss Sunday Mass is transformative, providing a new, transcendent perspective to life.
    
2. Tell them about modern martyrs for Sunday Mass. The Mass is so precious a gift that even today, people are willing to die for it.
    
3. Mass is great family time. With everyone going in different directions throughout the week, families who go to Sunday Mass will appreciate the time spent together for worship.
    
4. Mass offers Bible guidance. The Scripture readings of Mass are packages of life-changing wisdom.
    
5. Tell them to do it for others. Going to Mass every Sunday helps lots of people through our prayer and witness.
    
6. Jesus is there. Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist and comes to us as a source of strength.
    
7. It was Our Lord’s desire. “Do this in remembrance of me,” Our Lord said at the Last Supper. We fulfill this command at every Mass.
    
8. Mass is better than mountains and trees. Christ’s Real Presence beats the awe at nature any day. Mass every week trains us to appreciate His Presence.