'If We Knew the Value of the Mass'

"If we knew the value of the Mass, we would die of joy."
— The Cure d'Ars

By P.J. Kerbard

You've probably read the newspaper stories or heard about it on the television news: Sunday Mass attendance has fallen dramatically in the last 50 years. According to Gallup, Mass attendance peaked in 1957-58. It has declined from a high of 74 percent in the 1950s to 40 percent in 2003.

Moreover, according to a survey in 2004 by the National Catholic Reporter, a large majority of respondents said they could be good Catholics without attending Mass every week.

Without attending Mass?

Oh, boy.

It got me thinking. What is the value of Mass? And why should we attend? Actually, I was challenged by a friend who asked me what St. Faustina has got to say about Mass and was Mass really important in her life. I went to her Diary and began looking for the answer, and I was surprised at the frequent references she made to the Mass.

Like many saints, St. Faustina wrote of her union with divinity during the august sacrifice of Jesus made present by the mystery of the Mass. Indeed, a great portion of St. Faustina's revelations, inspirations or insights came during Mass or in times of Holy Communion or Adoration.

She wrote:

Often during Mass, I see the Lord in my soul; I feel His presence which pervades my being. I sense His divine gaze; I have long talks with Him without saying a word; I know what His divine Heart desires, and I always do what will please Him the most. I love Him to distraction, and I feel that I am being loved by God. At those times, when I meet with God deep within myself, I feel so happy that I do not know how to express it. Such moments are short, for the soul could not bear it for long, as separation from the body would be inevitable. Though these moments are very short, their power, however, which is transmitted to the soul, remains with it for a very long time (Diary, 411).

I read that, and I think: Why would anyone not go to Mass?

It has been said many times, Mass is the most powerful prayer on earth. Yes, we can pray to God at any time and anywhere, but at Mass we not only pray to God, but with God and in God dying on the cross at Calvary. Mass is a privileged moment when we share in His Passion, Death and Resurrection.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church , in entry 1367, states:

The sacrifice of Christ (on the cross) and the sacrifice of the Eucharist (on the altar) are one single sacrifice: "The victim is one and the same: the same now offers through the ministry of priests, who then offered himself on the cross; only the manner of offering is different." "In this divine sacrifice which is celebrated in the Mass, the same Christ who offered himself once in a bloody manner on the altar of the cross is contained and is offered in an unbloody manner."

Thus, we rightly say that the Eucharist is the sacrifice of the Church, and this Church is — as St. Paul says — "the Body of Christ" (1 Cor 12:27). The sacrifice of Jesus, the Head of the Church, becomes the sacrifice of the members of His Body, the Church. What this means is that "the lives of the faithful," as the Catechism says, "their praise, sufferings, prayer and work, are united with those of Christ and with His total offering, and so acquire a new value. Christ's sacrifice, present on the altar, makes it possible for all generations of Christians to be united with his offering" (1368).

Therein lies the extraordinary value of Mass. Through Mass, we unite ourselves with Christ because we are baptized into His life. We become with Him partakers, not only in the salvation gained on the cross, but also in the suffering endured on the cross. It is in this that we are co-redeemers with Christ and why true Christian spirituality fulfills what St. Paul wrote — and what we use at Mass — "if we die with the Lord we shall live with the Lord" (II Timothy 2:11).

It is Christ who makes perfect the sacrifice on the cross and the sacrifice on the altar, which in turn gives all of our sacrifices in daily life a new value.

Moreover, the Church considers the Mass as the greatest prayer of intercession. Saint Faustina helps us to understand how our prayers and petitions become deeply valuable when united with Mass. She wrote: "My sacrifice is nothing in itself, but when I join it to the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, it becomes all-powerful and has the power to appease divine wrath. God loves us in His Son; the painful Passion of the Son of God constantly turns aside the wrath of God" (Diary, 482).

The power of intercession is beyond our understanding, as St. Faustina pointed out:

Oh, what awesome mysteries take place during Mass! A great mystery is accomplished in the Holy Mass (271) With what great devotion should we listen to and
take part in this death of Jesus. One day we will know what God is doing for us in each Mass, and what sort of gift He is preparing in it for us. Only His divine love could permit that such a gift be provided for us. O Jesus, my Jesus, with what great pain is my soul pierced when I see this fountain of life gushing forth with such sweetness and power for each soul, while at the same time I see souls withering away and drying up through their own fault. O Jesus, grant that the power of mercy embrace these souls (Diary, 914).

Our soul will not wither away if we constantly bring to mind what Jesus commanded at the Last Supper, the eve of His Passion, and what He fulfilled on the cross — "Do this in memory of Me" (1 Cor 11:24-25). The value of Mass — the memorial of His sacrifice — is infinite. It has to be approached with awe and with reverence, but most of all it has to be considered, as the Catechism points out, in harmony with ages past and with the saints even into this time, that the Eucharist is: "thanksgiving and praise to the Father; the sacrificial memorial of Christ and His Body; the presence of Christ by the power of His word and of His Spirit" (cf CCC 1358 ff).

It is in this disposition that St. Faustina learned to "live the Mass." Through the Mass, she found the very purpose of her being and the fulfillment of the promise of God in Jesus Christ that He shall be with us until the end of all ages. Thus, she could say:

Without the least effort, I experience the profound recollection which then envelops me — and it does not diminish even if I talk with people, nor does it interfere with the performance of my duties. I feel the constant presence of God without any effort of my soul. I know that I am united with Him as closely as a drop of water is united with the bottomless ocean. Last Thursday, toward the end of my prayers, I felt this grace, and it lasted for an unusually long time, for it was throughout Mass, so that I thought I would die of joy. At such times, my knowledge of God and His attributes becomes more acute, and also I know my own self and my misery much better. I am amazed at the Lord's great condescension to such a miserable soul as mine. After Holy Mass, I felt completely immersed in God and am still conscious of His every glance into the depth of my heart. About midday, I entered the chapel for a moment, and again the power of grace struck my heart. As I continued in a state of recollection, Satan took a flowerpot and angrily hurled it to the ground with all his might. I saw all his rage and his jealousy (Diary, 411).

When I immersed myself in prayer and united myself with all the Masses that were being celebrated all over the world at that time, I implored God, for the sake of all these Holy Masses, to have mercy on the world and especially on poor sinners who were dying at that moment. At the same instant, I received an interior answer from God that a thousand souls (132) had received grace through the prayerful mediation I had offered to God. We do not know the number of souls that is ours to save through our prayers and sacrifices; therefore, let us always pray for sinners" (Diary, 1783)

.

Here we can note that the zenith of God's mercy is in the REAL PRESENCE of Jesus in Eucharist. The receiving of Jesus in total trust at Communion during Mass is the fullest of trust. This trust guides us time and again throughout each day as we encounter the realities of life, the burdens, etc. The evil one hates for souls to rely on the power of Jesus in the Eucharist — the Bread of Life — so this evil one keeps people away from Holy Communion by keeping them away from the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. When the devil succeeds in keeping souls from Jesus, he wins and Jesus weeps. A soul has the free will to act in good by the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus — which is made present in each Mass.

The sacrifice of the Mass is infinite in value for it is the sacrifice of the Divine Son of the Eternal Father. In our times, we have devalued Mass and have found very flimsy excuses for not participating. But consider Mass a personal invitation. Bring your life and your intentions frequently to the altar. In time you will learn to live the Mass, to reap the fruits of the greatest gift on earth: God's memorial of His Sacrifice.

"Do this in remembrance of me" (1 Cor 11:24-25).

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Comments

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JLRJ — Mar 11, 2007 - 18:05 EDT

I feel so ashamed, but I am regularly frustrated and irritated following Mass at my Parish. The liturgy is poorly done, rushed, and there is no reverence for the Eucharist. The vessels are dumped onto a side shelf after Communion instead of being ritually cleaned. Talks on giving money or recognizing people's work in the Parish are given before the Mass is ended. They often begin speaking while the vessels are still on the altar. People will literally turn and stare at you until you move if you stay to sing the final hymn... I could go on. I am a convert, and I feel robbed. The Mass in our Diocese and Parish, for the most part (I've been to Mass in four different Parishes) is protestantized. Please pray for me. I know it is still Mass and I should be grateful.

skb369 — Mar 12, 2007 - 12:12 EDT

I know exactly what you mean. In the past I've noticed that as well in some services. perhaps you could approach the pastor and share these concerns. Or, write to the bishop of your diocese. Another thought is to keep looking for another
Catholic church in your area to attend.
We became parishoners in another church in which the liturgy celebration was more meaningful.
Another thought: try watching EWTN. Many of the programs are uplifting. Also, daily Mass, Christian books, prayer services, etc. Take advantage of every opportunity to grow in the faith. Pray that the Lord will lead you to the place where you should worship. God bless you in your search.

Bea — Mar 12, 2007 - 12:42 EDT

Thanks for the beautiful reminder of the value of the Mass.

Survivor 73 — Mar 12, 2007 - 23:11 EDT

I just saw the Italian Padre Pio movie. It made my heart long for a Mass like the Mass he offered!

AnneMarie — Mar 13, 2007 - 3:57 EDT

I feel very sad that the reverence for Mass that I grew up with is no longer there, people rush out of Mass after communion, or ahead of the Priest before the last hymn, go up to Communion with their arms just hanging at their sides, everone has blue jeans on. I feel the reverence for Communion was diminished when the Communion rail was taken away. I feel sad so many young people no longer go to Mass. Please pray for all our young people to return to Mass, they don't realize what they are missing out on. Lets not let the devil win.

a priest — Mar 13, 2007 - 14:24 EDT

It is very easy to get distracted by the appearance of people around us. I'm pastor of a very young parish. It is rare to see anyone dressed up in "their Sunday best" as I would call it. BUT they are coming to mass and taking Jesus in their hearts through Holy Communion and He is making a difference in their lives. God uses all the externals around us. I keep praying for a better day BUT I get down on my knees everyday to thank God these young poorly dressed people keep coming to recieve Jesus at the Mass.
Pray for them and an open heart in your own earch to see Jesus in everyone around you. God bless you!

yes i understand — Mar 14, 2007 - 13:31 EDT

Sometimes I like to be in the cry room for Mass. I have two small children, and am often there with them. But even if I am not, that is where I like to me. Yes, even with the distractions of children crying, playing, it serves as a special place for me, and I can remember Christ's admonition in a special way that we be "as little children." Interestingly, I find the commotion of the cryroom often less distracting than the lack of interest or attention of so many parishioners in the rest of the church. And, if there happen not to be any babies in there that day, well, then I have the room to myself. (Not often!)

Eileen — Mar 15, 2007 - 11:27 EDT

Last year at lent I decided to go to mass daily. There happened to be a church that held mass at noon which was convenient to where I work. I also found another church that held mass at 5:30 in the evening that was on my way home. I started attending daily masses for what I thought would only be for 40 days, it's now been 365+ days. It became a real "habit" and when I have to miss a day from time to time, I feel sick about it. (Truly, I personally prefer daily mass to Sunday mass--which I also attend--because I'm surrounded around people who are there because they want to be, instead of those who seem to feel there just fulfilling their obligation...one cannot help but noticing and believing their hearts are just not in it. The former helps me when I pray; the latter distracts me.)

Since masses are held at least once every day at every church throughout, The Catholic Church might consider not only "selling" the spiritual benefits to going to mass daily, but sell the convenience:(a) church can probably be found that's convenient for one's schedule and location; (b) daily mass only runs for about 30 minutes, and, (c) there's usually no offertory collection! "Market" mass by not only encouraging attendance, but perhaps printing out literature listing all the places and times masses are held throughout the area. In high-employment area, consider re-scheduling masses.

Just a thought respectfully submitted...

fernando — Mar 17, 2007 - 23:45 EDT

Priests need to preach on the beauty, the majesty, the holiness, and the importance of the Mass. They need to remind parishioners that attendance at Sunday Mass is mandatory and that they have to attend in a spirit of reverence, attention, and love because God Himself is in the Church which is Holy and Sacred. What hurts my heart so much is that people do not act in a respectful manner, they act as if they are in an auditorium, and they can't wait to go outside the Church before they start talking while other parishioners are still praying or singing the last Mass song. All this disrespect for Our Lord makes me cry and I have to remember to say the Divine Chaplet for an increase in faith, in love, in respect, and in holiness within our Church and for all of us who are its members. Yet, we do have to be glad that these parishioners, as imperfect as they act, are in fact attending Mass. Let us all pray that the Holy Spirit will descend upon all of us and give us the virtue of attending Mass in a spirit of the appropriate holiness and love that we should all have in our hearts and be proud to display to our Lord and God forever and ever. Amen.

A Parishoner of Holy Spirit Church in McAllen, Texas — Mar 18, 2007 - 8:14 EDT

I love attending Mass at my parish. I truly enjoy participating in the Mass as a Eucharistic Minister, a Lector and as a member of the choir. Our parish has had a faction of former church workers who are intent on driving people away from our parish. I ask that you pray for our parish and for our priest and deacons. We are devoted to the praying the Divine Mercy for the healing of our parish. We all need the Divine Mercy not just us people but the parishes, priests, dioceses and the whole Roman Catholic Church as well.

God's Blessings...Thank You

Litiana — Mar 20, 2007 - 22:11 EDT

I truly believe the message that has been put out in regards to the value of the mass. I come from a staunch Catholic family whereby the rule is that, when Sunday comes everyone has to go to Mass unless you are ill. We have been following that rule since we were little and even now i try to attend the mass service on sundays. I, personally could say that it has done me great things.We are all busy these days but there is only one day in a week (1hr on sunday) where we ourselves need to go back and give thanks to our LOrd for the wonderful & great things he has given to us. We can spend hours and days having fun with friends and families, therefore one hour in church shouldn't hurt.Once we start we following that rule of attending mass on Sundays, then it'll become a habbit...A good habbit which we can teach our children, our childrens children and so on.

bernadette — Mar 21, 2007 - 8:45 EDT

Of all the masses i've heard, even if the priest couldn't be understood. i thank Our father for His servant's yes to be a priest and to consecrate the host to become The Body,Blood of Our Lord. Pray for your Priests and pray for the ears and hearts of their audiences to be open to the message that we are suppose to hear.
Also see the humbleness in the man that said yes. Maybe the message we hear is all we can handle and if something is not with in our agreement or maybe he should preach this or that. Maybe the Holy Spirit is revealing a fault within us that we need to ask for forgiveness, for being judgemental or wanting to hear what is best for ourselves. When instead one should pray for Our Fathers' servant His Priest and also pray for our hearts to be open to His message. Humbleness comes with a price and that is dying to ourselves and in humility accept Our Father in our Priest and in each other. We are all created in His image. Let us see Him in each other, more so in our Priest. Even those that have sinned---
In God's eyes they are Forgiven Priest.

Saint Mary's, Albany, NY — Apr 15, 2007 - 0:06 EDT

I love listening to Fr. Larry Richard teach about The Holy Mass. You can get his free CD on The Mass and one on Confession from Catholicity.com---like this site, beautifully faithful to The Holy Catholic Church. Incidently, Eden Hill was alive with His grace today.