The Irish Catholic Bishops Conference issued a short but significant document last year entitled “Why Sunday Matters”. In the remaining Sundays of Lent I am going to explore, a little, a few aspects of this document and some of the questions raised therein. Today, I explore the following question:
“How can I enrich my experience of Mass and make it a central part of my life?”
I suggest just a number of approaches:
Deepening our personal prayer life before, during and
after Mass
Preparing carefully for Mass – especially Sunday Mass
– by praying with others in advance through the Readings including the Old
Testament reading, the Psalm, the New Testament Letter or Book and above all
the Gospel. Is there any valid reason why this act of preparation could not be
undertaken in some parishes on a trial basis? Why could it not be extended to
include Christians of other denominations (who frequently share the same cycle
of readings)?
Taking a sentence of the Gospel of the previous
Sunday and applying it to our daily life in a conscious, purposeful and
meaningful way. If, for example, the Gospel urges us to forgive others then let’s
do that day by day and examine our consciences at the end of each day and start
again every day.
Going to Mass with others – especially our own
family. The family that prays together stays together.
Studying or participating in group studies relevant
to a deeper appreciation of the Word of God and the Eucharist. Too many adults stopped learning about their
faith a very long time ago and scarcely know much about it.
Our experience of Mass no matter where it is celebrated or
how can be a source of grace and nourishment if we are prepared, mindful, open and
ready to participate as we ought.
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