3 ways to get more out of Holy Mass

Life is short

Death is certain

Eternity is forever

Choose wisely

 -Note on refrigerator

1. Be Mindful.

What is Holy Mass? Holy Mass is where we take our place next to Mother Mary and St John on Calvary to honor the crucifixion of Christ. God has designed time zones across the world so Holy Mass is not a sacrificial re-creation but a seamless continuation as the earth turns. Approximately 86,000 “bloodless Calvaries” are celebrated-sequentially every day. Whether on a Jeep's tailgate by a chaplain before battle or on the altar of St Peter's at a pontifical high Mass, church is our time to escape phones, demands, responsibilities, etc to just let God love us. In our evil world, who doesn't need 1-free hour of pure Love each week? 

2. Retrace the History.

Why is it called the "non-bloodied sacrifice of Christ on calvary?" During the consecration of the bread, the priest acts as Jesus by repeating words said at the Last Supper, "This is my Body," over the host. Notice the priest doesn't say, "this is a 'Symbol' of my body." When the priest elevates the Host, we imagine Roman soldiers hefting-up Jesus' limb-nailed cross off the dusty gravel. Using ropes, they push, swing, grunt and aim Him/the cross' base into a pre-dug post-hole. For a brief moment, the priest holds up the host, imagining poor Jesus bouncing on impact, dripping with blood and sweat as his body weight and gravity pulls at his pierced hands and feet. To breathe, Jesus must step on his pierced feet to expand his ribs and diaphram. Any words spoken require precious oxygen. At this moment, we believe the Host is Jesus Christ's body, demonstrated by Eucharistic miracles showing cardiac tissue, living white blood cells and AB blood type under the microscope. This blood belongs to the same person who bled on the Turin Shroud and the Manoppello Veil. To follow this science, see this article. 

• Literally, magicians jeer at Catholics when using, "Hocus Pocus" since the Latin consecration is "Hoc est enim Corpus Meum." 
• Metaphorically, magicians are mocking this transition when they turn an empty hat into one containing a rabbit, if using these words.
• If you know any magicians, please ask them to stop using this phrase. 

During the consecration of wine, the priest states, "This is my Blood" over the chalice. Again, the word "symbol" is not found in the translations whether Aramaic, Hebrew, Greek, Latin, English etc. When the priest elevates the chalice, this is the moment Jesus bleeds out, dies and gives us His life with, "it is finished." Depending on our seat, the angle of the chalice is directly below the main crucifix to collect the dripping blood of our hanging Savior. As the priest holds up the Holy Grail, we imagine Mother Mary and St John hugging during the solar eclipse, the wind tearing at their clothes while ripping the temple veil in two, along with the earthquake scientifically explained here. Later, the Roman with the bloody lance states "Truly, this was the Son of God."

• Hollywood invested in movies about the original Holy Grail: Monty Python, Indiana Jones, etc
• The movie "The Robe" with Richard Burton is about the Roman soldier, piercing the heart of Jesus post-mortem.
• Why would anyone devote such energy and money toward these "stories" if they are not worthy of anyones' time?

3. Engage with an open mind. Why should I engage in Holy Mass?

• Job interviews involve dressing with respect, rehearsing the right answers, being on time and manners. At Holy Mass, we interview for our position in heaven, as "Servant of God." Would you wear a game-day jersey to a job interview?
• Catholics DO read the Bible. Readings are intentionally-paired and planned around the liturgical calendar: feasts, solemnities, Easter and Christmas, etc. The 1st reading comes from the Old Testament, which represents God the Father's reign. Then we recite a psalm by David. The New Testament reading comes from the Gospel, representing God the Son's reign. The current era is God the Holy Spirit's reign. We are blessed to know all 3 of our Holy Trinity. However, that levels more responsibility on us to engage. If we can, we visit the Holy Land to bring alive the Bible. Pilgrimages and retreats also expand our faith, morals and belonging to God and His Word. To he who has, more will be given--but only if we say yes. 
• Then, a priest schooled in Theology, applies the readings to our current life and times. Often, there are chilling coincidences or tearful moments when God speaks to us personally. These are called "Wow God" moments or consolations. Journaling of these is recommended for desolate times--as loving reminders.
• My favorite is approaching the altar to receive the actual Body of Christ--our true soul food. Jesus is our antidepressant, the Divine Healer. When He comes, He is never alone. He brings an entourage of saints, angels, the Trinity, Mother Mary, dead family members, recently deceased friends or people for whom we pray and fast, etc. Sometimes, forgotten people appear in our imaginations, asking for prayers. Everyone is celebrating the eternal wedding feast of Jesus with His Bride, the church. Live in this moment, between communions. Keep this constant dialogue with heaven going. Only in their love, can we find peace.

Having a relationship with God is like any relationship, but better. It takes time and work to build something meaningful but worth it--please say yes. Eventually, there is daily Holy Mass and frequent Adoration for those who always want to be with Him. Like the degrees of holiness that we can achieve, Love is infinite, and will never stop growing.

Get rid of your baggage, go to Him for the rest that your soul craves.

Ask Mother Mary and St John to intercede for all the graces needed to take the first step closer and 

WELCOME HOME!