Why do we have to go for Mass every day?

If only we understand what Holy Mass is, will we be able to understand why it is that Catholics celebrate Holy Mass not just on Sundays but every single day. 

Holy Eucharist is the greatest of all Sacraments and it is called the sacrament of Sacraments. All other sacraments points to this one Sacrament. Jesus is truly present in the Holy Eucharist. Holy Mass is the very sacrifice Jesus offered on the cross represented in an unbloody way for us to participate. It is the sacrifice Jesus offers to the Father on our behalf for the forgiveness of our sins and for the life everlasting. We eat and drink is the real body and blood of Jesus. It is through reception of the Holy Eucharist that we unite with Jesus in a one-flesh union.

Jesus said “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. John 6:53-58. 

On the last supper Jesus mandated us to ‘do’ what he just did. He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me. In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Luke 22:19-20

For someone who understands what is going on, Holy mass could become for him a supernatural experience. And for those who attend Holy mass just as a routine, it could turn meaningless and boring. The fact is even if you do not understand what is going on, you will still be able to receive the merits of the holy mass. But our active participation during mass can enliven our experience and offer us a foretaste of heaven. The whole of heaven is truly present during every mass. Heaven and earth merges in the sacrament of the mass. The part-takers are elevated into the heavenly realm. We sing and offer worship as worthy children in God’s presence along with Mary our Mother, saints and the choirs of angels.

Holy Mass is the biggest source of supernatural grace. Only by grace can we resist sin and love as God does. Vatican II document Lumen gentium said “Holy mass is the source and summit of Christian life”. The ‘life’ of a Christian originates and culminates in the Holy sacrifice of the mass.

Just as one cannot survive without breathing and eating, Christians cannot survive without the Holy Mass. Mass every day for us is a breath of fresh air, life support and supply of essential nutrition, to battle self, world and the devil in order to live in holiness, in thought, word and deed. 

If you are feeling lazy about going to mass, do not be discouraged. Ask God for the grace. Take somebody with you. Push yourself a few days then things will get better. Reach before time and spend time in prayer after Mass. You will begin to appreciate daily Mass.

Let us also remember those Christians around the world who do not even get one mass in a month. Let us also pray for a generous vocations to priesthood.