Pilgrim Series: 6/7 — Living the Holy Mass

(358 words, 2 minutes read time.)

** A Past Meditation **
Written in the past and newly restored.

(Read the 7-Part Pilgrim series)

When I come to Holy Mass,

am I simply present…

or am I truly praying?

Do I enter into the prayers of the Church with my whole heart?

Do I recognize that I am standing at the foot of the Cross,

joining myself to Christ’s perfect offering to the Father?

Do I desire to understand the beauty and meaning of the Mass more deeply,

so that I may participate with greater faith,

greater love,

and greater reverence?

When I enter the Church,

do I quiet my heart before the Lord?

Do I remember that Jesus waits for me in the Blessed Sacrament?

After receiving Holy Communion,

do I remain recollected,

thanking Him who has come to dwell within me?

How well am I disposed to receive Him?

Do I strive to remove whatever hinders His grace—

through repentance,

prayer,

forgiveness,

and a sincere desire to love Him more?

The more open our hearts become,

the more freely His grace can work within us.

One of the greatest preparations for Holy Mass is prayerfully reading and pondering the Scriptures.

When we pray with God’s Word before Mass,

our hearts become more attentive,

our minds more receptive,

and our love more ready to receive Christ.

The Scriptures prepare us to recognize the One who speaks,

and the Eucharist allows us to receive the One who speaks.

The Word leads us to the Altar,

and the Altar sends us forth to live the Word.

Lord,

prepare my heart for every Holy Mass.

May I never approach Your Altar carelessly or routinely,

but always with gratitude,

reverence,

and expectant faith.

May every Eucharist deepen my love for You,

transform my heart,

and strengthen me to live the Gospel each day.

Amen.

Stay tuned for one more reflection in this series!

A Moment for Reflection:

Before the next Holy Mass, read the day’s Gospel and ask: Lord, what part of my life can I place with You upon the Altar?

Used With Permission: www.AdoreHim.com
(C) 2018-26 Lindsey Grace Mariella