Ruth: Chapter 14 The Mass
I love the Mass yet I know that there is so much more that I could get out of it. Matthew talked about using a missal and understanding the rhythm and parts of the Mass. Tom subscribes to the Magnificat and I should too. We try to use it to say evening prayers together but I have not been in the habit of using it at daily / Sunday Mass. I should. Do some of you use it? If so, how do you find it helpful? Matthew asked if we experience the wonder of the Mass? Most of the time I do because I find it such a privilege to receive the Lord, His body, blood, soul and divinity. I believe that but if I really understood what that means in the depths of my soul I think I would be frozen in awe. Jesus, my Lord and Savior joining us in the here and how....really present....Walking up to receive Him should be a pilgrimage .... should be a holy event. We don't wait for heaven… He is here present NOW in the Eucharist! What a wonder our God is but it is so sad that so few seem to understand the reality of what is actually going on at Mass. So sad! Matthew’s challenge to ask the Lord each week, “Lord, show me one way to become a better person this week.” reminds me of my constant prayer, “Lord, make and remake me into the woman you want me to be.” Matthew's, prayer is better. It makes us more of an accomplice in the molding process. “Lord, show me one way I can become a better person this week.” I need to listen and act more not just expect the Lord to do the work. What is your favorite part of the Mass? I love the simple line, “We lift up our hearts to the Lord.” When I say this my whole being often wants to lift my hands and heart to the Lord in a literal sense. I also like to say with the priest, “Lord, wash me of my iniquities and cleanse me of my sins.” I even find myself praying that line in the shower in the morning. Matthew's favorit line after the Our Father is also one of mine. I liked Matthew’s reflection on joining ourselves with the sacrifice on the altar. (P.200-201). I yearn to be so transformed, like the bread and wine, so that those that see me see Christ. What a gift we are given....... and..... What a gift we have in our Catholic faith. I do feel sad for those that leave the Catholic Church for something less or have little understanding of the gift they have. Let us pray for the renewal of our parish and families. Lord, I thank you for the gift of the Catholic Church and of the Mass. Help me to grow in love for both and allow me the grace to share that love with others.
- posted by Ruth @ 5:11 PM