Capital Punishment - Condemnation to Hopelessness
Mass: the Ultimate Hour of Power
Photo By: Flickr/U.S. Army
When we go to Mass this Sunday, will we go just to fulfill our Sunday obligation? Will we go half- heartedly, if we go at all, and just wade through the motions, our minds adrift in far-away thoughts and distractions. Will we mindlessly recite the prayers and Psalms, sing the songs with no real heart or meaning in the process?
What a waste if we do; and we all do this. It is very natural to take for granted the true blessing and privilege that the Mass is and what it can bring us.
Do we offer up a specific prayer intention at every Mass? Do we know this is possible? Every single Mass can be offered up for whatever specific and individual intention your heart desires. What an incredible opportunity.
St. Jerome, Doctor of the Church "Without doubt, the Lord grants all favors which are asked of Him in Mass, provided they be fitting for us; and, which is a matter of great wonder, ofttimes He also grants that also which is not demanded of Him, if we, on our part, put no obstacle in the way."
Not only are we able to receive the very Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ into our very own spiritual and physical being in the Eucharist, having him become one with us body and soul, we can offer up the celebration of Mass for our very own intentions.
Pope Benedict XV "The Holy Mass would be of greater profit if people had it offered in their lifetime, rather than having it celebrated for the relief of their souls after death."
In addition to that, we are bestowed with the amazing occurrence of Scripture readings and Clerical wisdom and insight into the very Word of God. We are granted the chance to listen, meditate and grow in our relationship with Jesus. We are able to know him more fully and become one with him more intimately.
We come together in song, to experience a joy and beauty that only the Word in music can bring us, a most special form of prayer and praise. St. Augustine “cantare amantis est… Singing belongs to one who loves”.
And also importantly, we unite universally, as the Body of Christ, with our brothers and sisters throughout the world celebrating the very same Liturgy of the Word and Eucharist; in every nation, and in every language under God.St. Gregory, Doctor of the Church "The heavens open and multitudes of angels come to assist in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass."
Is there a bigger Hour of Power than that? Anywhere?
Don’t waste it! Dive in and engross yourself in it, become lost in God’s infinite presence and Grace. It will transform you, it will transform the whole world, if we let it.
St. Gregory, Doctor of the Church "It is most true that he who attends holy Mass shall be freed from many evils and from many dangers, both seen and unseen."
About the Author
I am a 57 year old, wife and mother of two grown sons. I am Cradle Catholic and experienced a reversion to the faith several year ago that moved me to dive more deeply into an understanding of the church and it’s doctrines and dogmas. The more I read, and discover, the deeper my love of the Catholic Church and her teachings becomes.
I become the Executive Director of a very active and busy Crisis Pregnancy Center on the West side of Cincinnati in October 2021. God is so good and answers prayers even though He knows at times, we have no idea what we are asking for. I left this job a few days ago, after having my heart broken and idea of working for a Catholic institution disallusioned. I am so honored and humbled to have had the experience to serve women and the unborn in this capacity! I am also very grateful for God, allowing me to see for myself, that perhaps such a calling was not His long term plan for me. Perhapos returning to Catholic 365 is more to his liking and fits more into his plan for me. I hopefully can once again be more active with content to this wonderful website.
I live in Cincinnati, Ohio where I attended the same parochial grade school and public high school that my two boys attend. I sang in the choir for 35 years and have also been a cantor. I recently left singing in church because i found it to be a grave distraction to the awesome significance of the Liturgy. I haven't looked back, and love the Mass now more than ever! I have been a past member of the Education Commission and have devoted many hours to the well being of St. Ann Church and School (now Our Lady of Grace).
I look forwad to being back and submitting more articles and content. I love being able to share my faith and use this platform as a way to express my deep love and devotion to our Lord. We need each other, and what a wonderful way to connect with others!
