Mass is Best-Kept Secret of Church

by Letters Editor · August 9, 2016

Moira Gillmore, Durban – Why is it that the Catholic Church keeps so silent about the greatness of Holy Mass? I have seldom, if ever, heard it spoken about or explained in homilies.

St John Paul II called Holy Mass the source and summit of the Catholic Church and yet some people find the Mass boring.

I believe we are losing the youth and adults to other Christian churches because they find more enthusiasm in evangelical preaching and because they are seeking meaning. If they only knew the value of the Catholic Holy Mass they would not leave.

To begin with, we should know that no matter which priest celebrates the Mass, its values are still the same, as the Mass is Jesus’ action working through the priest.

Every Holy Mass is the great drama of our salvation.

Jesus’ words spoken from the Cross are good to remember during Mass as they can assist our prayers.

For example, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Jesus, I ask for forgiveness for all my sins and those of the whole world.

Also, “Woman, behold your son; Son, behold your mother” (John 19:26-27). Thank you Jesus for giving Mary to us as our mother. Mary, lead me and guide me.

And, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46). Father, I trust you completely.

When we receive Holy Communion at Mass without serious sin, believing in the true presence of Jesus therein, we are gaining a great spiritual wealth and union with God. “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me and I in them” ( John 6:56).

We must remember that Jesus introduced the Mass at the Last Supper and commanded us to do it in memory of him.

A word about homilies: even though the homily is not essential to the graces flowing in the Mass, it does and can enhance one’s experience of these powerful graces, as the homily is after all about the Word of God.