Posted on 01/07/2013 4:07:39 PM PST by NYer
Some decades ago the argument from authority was often invoked as we answered some question about the faith. It was often considered sufficient merely invoke the existence of a rule. And thus, to my nagging question, “Why should I have to go to mass?” my parents would often answer, “Because it’s a rule!” Other variations of the answer would be, “Because the Church says so,” or, “Because it’s in the Ten Commandments.”
Never mind that there might actually be reasons that there was a rule, or a commandment. It was considered enough in those old days simply to say, “It is a rule.”
If, to some degree, it was sufficient back in those days to merely invoke authority, it is now, for better or worse, no longer the case today that it is enough simply to do so. It is true that there is a rule that we must attend Mass. For as the Catechism says,
This practice of the Christian assembly dates from the beginnings of the apostolic age. The Letter to the Hebrews reminds the faithful “not to neglect to meet together, as is the habit of some, but to encourage one another.”…the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor. Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin. (CCC 2178, 2181)
And the Ten Commandments say,
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy…. the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a day of sacred assembly. (Ex 20:18; Lev 23:3)
and Jesus says in John 6:53,
Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.
As so it is clear, there is a Rule that we attend Mass. But it also remains true that the reasons the Church, the Lord, and Law all say this. For indeed, something is true not nearly because the Church or the Lord, or the Bible say so. But rather, the Lord, the Bible and the Church say so because it is true.
And from this perspective, perhaps it is a good thing that merely arguing from authority, or arguing from the existence of rules and Commandments, is not enough. We live in times where the reasons, and the logic behind such rules is often insisted upon.
Perhaps it is not unreasonable for those to whom we speak to demand such proof. For, as Scripture puts it, Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). And thus it is good that we be able to give reasons for the things we teach, and the practices we rightfully insist upon. As never before, we are required not simply to say what we teach, but why.
So alright, parents, you rightfully should teach your children that they must go to Mass on Sunday, and also to pray, prepare for and receive Sacraments, and to belong to a believing community we call Parish, to insist that they ought to read Scripture know the Faith. Yes, it is right that a parent to teach their children these things. So alright you say to your children you must go to Mass on Sunday.
But but why do YOU go?
Notice that this question, does not ask merely for reasons to go to Mass, but asks for YOUR reasons. Why do you go, what is your personal testimony? For, frankly, it is not enough for us to give merely catechetical or apologetical reasons. Our children, as never before, need to have very personal testimony from their parents about the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ. It’s time to testify, that is, to give her a personal testimony/ Yes, as never before, our children need to hear from us, parents, priests, catechists, parishioners.
So. why do you go to mass? Is there something you get out of it? How have you been blessed, and what are the fruits and effects having gone to Mass faithfully for many years? What effects have the Sacraments, prayer, liturgy in the Mass had on you?
Again, do not overlook personal quality that we must be invited to supply this testimony. Quoting the Saints and the teachings of the Church is indeed good and proper, but it is not enough. There comes a point in every Christian life when we who are mature in the faith need to testify: That what the Scriptures announce and the Church teaches is true. And I personally know it to be true because, in the laboratory of my own life, I have both tested and verified the truth of what is taught, and come to know personally that is true.
Therefore, the question remains, Why do YOU go to Mass?
Let me, as a priest, announce my own testimony. I want to say that since I was 24 years of age, when I entered the seminary, I have gone to Mass every day. I have both studied, and heard proclaimed, God’s Word every day. I have gathered with God’s people in the celebration of the sacred liturgy every day, and every Sunday. I pray every day for an hour, I pray the Liturgy of the Hours, and go to Confession once a week. I have lived in fellowship with other believers, gathering with them for prayer, and have experienced the both silent and vocal testimony of their faith and their experience that God is real, and God is good.
And I want to say, that as a result of all of this, I am a changed man. I have seen sins put to death, and new virtues come alive. I have a new mind, I think different thoughts, my priorities are different, and are better. I am more discerning, and my understanding of the meaning and purpose of my life is deeper. I have overcome terrible anxieties, and fears, and now I live in confidence, hope and joy. My life is not pain-free, or trouble-free, but I understand these troubles in a new way, seeing them as moments for growth, and grace. I am less negative, more positive and hopeful.
I could go on… But let me say this, I give God all the glory. It is his grace that transforms me. And I will say, He has done this primarily through the liturgy, through the holy Mass. He has accomplished this through the Sacraments, especially Holy Communion and Confession. These have been like medicine to me. And remaining faithful to God and to all of his sacraments, his Word and to the fellowship with the Church, I have been utterly transformed by Him and am being transformed more perfectly day by day.
I go to Mass, because through it, the Lord is changing me, is healing me, is transforming me. I have come to personally understand what the Lord means, that if we do not eat his Flesh and drink his Blood, we have no life in us. Without the Sacrament of his Body and Blood, my life would be so diminished, nothing compared to what it is now, in effect dead. It is only by the grace of God, his Word, his Sacraments, Prayer, and fellowship in the Church, that I have any life at all.
Of course we need to go to Mass on Sunday, of course! Without it I would be as dead as a diabetic without insulin, as starved man without food. I go to Mass, because through it the Lord saves me, feeds me, heals me. I have been privileged to walk with the same community of faith for the better part of 20 years. And in those years, in moments of crisis that arose, they have sung to me, prayed for me, witnessed to me, and shared Communion with me, summoning me to faith and reminding me the trouble don’t last always.
Where would I be without the Lord’s Church, without the Mass all the Sacraments, without the Word of God? At best, I would be nowhere, or it worst, is a very dark place.
Thus, I go to Mass receive the Sacraments, pray and keep fellowship, read and study God’s Word because it changes and transforms me. In no way do I see these as tedious rituals. No indeed, these are transformative realities, encounters with the living and healing Jesus Christ, to whom be all glory and thanksgiving.
Why do YOU go to Mass? What is your testimony. It is not enough today (if it ever was) to invoke rules. We have to say why, and we have to testify to it in a very personal way. Why do you go to Mass? Tell somebody!
Indeed. Which is why I haven't been to any organized religious service in just the longest time.
Primarily out of a sense of obligation to God. I owe God everything, so I must worship Him. The Mass is the highest form of worship; not because of anything I do, but because Jesus offers Himself to the Father. I get to take part in that and offer myself also.
Aso to receive Jesus Himself in the Eucharist. What else can you say? Wow!
While the readings and the homily and the singing can be bonus material, they, like the lack of distractions, are immaterial to what is going on— that supreme sacrifice of Jesus, being made present once again.
“once” is used several times in Hebrews. (Douay-Rheims translation)
Hebrews 7:27
Who needeth not daily (as the other priests) to offer sacrifices first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, in offering himself.
Hebrews 7:26-28 (in Context) Hebrews 7 (Whole Chapter)
Hebrews 9:7
But into the second, the high priest alone, once a year: not without blood, which he offereth for his own, and the people’s ignorance:
Hebrews 9:6-8 (in Context) Hebrews 9 (Whole Chapter)
Hebrews 9:12
Neither by the blood of goats, or of calves, but by his own blood, entered once into the holies, having obtained eternal redemption.
Hebrews 9:11-13 (in Context) Hebrews 9 (Whole Chapter)
Hebrews 9:26
For then he ought to have suffered often from the beginning of the world: but now once at the end of ages, he hath appeared for the destruction of sin, by the sacrifice of himself.
Hebrews 9:25-27 (in Context) Hebrews 9 (Whole Chapter)
Hebrews 9:27
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment:
Hebrews 9:26-28 (in Context) Hebrews 9 (Whole Chapter)
Hebrews 9:28
So also Christ was offered once to exhaust the sins of many; the second time he shall appear without sin to them that expect him unto salvation.
Hebrews 9:27-28 (in Context) Hebrews 9 (Whole Chapter)
Hebrews 10:2
For then they would have ceased to be offered: because the worshippers once cleansed should have no conscience of sin any longer:
Hebrews 10:1-3 (in Context) Hebrews 10 (Whole Chapter)
Hebrews 10:10
In the which will, we are sanctified by the oblation of the body of Jesus Christ once.
Hebrews 10:9-11 (in Context) Hebrews 10 (Whole Chapter)
The “sacrifice of the Mass” does NOT need to occur over and over again.
Only the LORD’S Supper need to be repeated on a regular basis.
P.S. I went to Mass every Sunday for many many years.
Jesus only died ONCE.
Unless I am misunderstanding your post, you are misunderstanding, or not aware of, the Church teaching on the Mass and the Holy Eucharist as it concerns Our Savior’s death on the cross.
If you have time, the previously posted videos by Bishop Sheen offer a fairly complete view.
"Once for all"
The Catholic Church specifically says Christ does not die again—his death is once for all. It would be something else if the Church were to claim he does die again, but it doesn’t make that claim. Through his intercessory ministry in heaven and through the Mass, Jesus continues to offer himself to his Father as a living sacrifice, and he does so in what the Church specifically states is "an unbloody manner"—one that does not involve a new crucifixion.
This shorter article would be quicker..
"Once for all"
The Catholic Church specifically says Christ does not die again—his death is once for all. It would be something else if the Church were to claim he does die again, but it doesn’t make that claim. Through his intercessory ministry in heaven and through the Mass, Jesus continues to offer himself to his Father as a living sacrifice, and he does so in what the Church specifically states is "an unbloody manner"—one that does not involve a new crucifixion.
Great post, thanks!
Hi. I was RCC for a loooong time....
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/2327607/posts?page=13#13
“On my Catholic education:
8 years Catholic grade school
4 years Catholic high school
Weekly CCD classes by quite conservative Novus Ordo RCC priest
Parents subscribed to National Catholic Register, the Wanderer, Fidelity and The Remnant, and I read them while growing up.
I subscribed to Fidelity and Remnant in undergrad college and never stopped contending against modernism in the Catholic Church.”
From the SSPX article:
“In this explanation of the Council of Trent it is
clarified that: 1) the Mass is a true sacrifice, that is
offered to God alone; 2) this sacrifice is offered for
the praise and adoration of God in three Persons as
thanksgiving, impetration, and above all as propitiation
for our daily sins; 3) Christ offers Himself to His
heavenly Father under the appearances of bread and
wine; 4) He, as High Priest of the New Covenant,
accomplishes this Sacrifice through human priests and
by means of the services of the Church.
Let’s take a closer look at the issues surrounding
these points.
The Mass Is a True
Sacrifice Offered to God
First of all, it should be clear that the Holy Sacrifice
of the Mass is offered to God and to God alone, while
the sacraments are primarily instituted for humanity,
for the sanctification of souls.”
The SSPX does teach the true interpretation of Trent.
If I agreed with the SSPX, I would still attend Mass.....
But now I don’t, so I don’t.
I do hope you find God’s truth in the Word of GOd.
Because I love God. Why else would I go? I worship, I pray and sometimes I need to feel God’s love all around me. The world tears you down, and mass should build you back up. I don’t expect God to always come to me, I make the effort to go to Him. The Eucharist is the ultimate union with God, but hearing His Word spoken aloud is important as well.
For anyone not getting joy out of mass, get help. This should be a joyful experience, not a chore.
I appreciate your years in the Church; however, it seems your understanding of the Mass and Christ’s sacrifice are incorrect. The link, and other sources, can help correct.
The Catholic Church does not teach that the Mass is a re-crucifixion of Christ, who does not suffer and die again in the Mass.
CC 1330 The memorial of the Lord's Passion and Resurrection.
The Holy Sacrifice, because it makes present the one sacrifice of Christ the Savior…
http://www.thecounciloftrent.com/ch22.htm
ON THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS
CANONS
CANON I.—If any one saith, that in the mass a true and proper sacriflce is not offered to God; or, that to be offered is nothing else but that Christ is given us to eat; let him be anathema.
CANON II.—If any one saith, that by those words, Do this for the commemoration of me (Luke xxii. 19), Christ did not institute the apostles priests; or, did not ordain that they, and other priests should offer His own body and blood; let him be anathema.
CANON III.—If any one saith, that the sacrifice of the mass is only a sacrifice of praise and of thanksgiving; or, that it is a bare commemoration of the sacrifice consummated on the cross, but not a propitiatory sacrifice; or, that it profits him only who receives; and that it ought not to be offered for the living and the dead for sins, pains, satisfactions, and other necessities; let him be anathema.
CANON IV.—If any one saith, that, by the sacrifice of the mass, a blasphemy is cast upon the most holy sacrifice of Christ consummated on the cross; or, that it is thereby derogated from; let him be anathema.
CANON V.—If any one saith, that it is an imposture to celebrate masses in honour of the saints, and for obtaining their intercession with God, as the Church intends; let him be anathema.
CANON VI.—If any one saith, that the canon of the mass contains errors, and is therefore to be abrogated; let him be anathema.
CANON VII.—If any one saith, that the ceremonies, vestments, and outward signs, which the Catholic Church makes use of in the celebration of masses, are incentives to impiety, rather than offices of piety; let him be anathema.
CANON VIII.—If any one saith, that masses, wherein the priest alone communicates sacramentally, are unlawful, and are, therefore, to be abrogated; let him be anathema.
CANON IX.—If any one saith, that the rite of the Roman Church, according to which a part of the canon and the words of consecration are pronounced in a low tone, is to be condemned; or, that the mass ought to be celebrated in the vulgar tongue only; or, that water ought not to be mixed with the wine that is to be offered in the chalice, for that it is contrary to the institution of Christ; let him be anathema.
The SSPX is absolutely correct in their interpretation of Trent.
No worry, though, since I agree with the Word,
and not with the SSPX,
or with Rome.
I am anathematized by Rome.
But I am justified by faith in Christ.
Thanks for your reply.
Here’s what I’m not understanding in your position. Initially, your point was:
“Jesus only died ONCE.”
This is in agreement with the Church. Jesus does not die again - in the Mass or otherwise.
I’ve posted various cites to this. I’m unclear where you are seeing it differently.
The relevant portion from the Council of Trent would be: “The fruits of that bloody sacrifice, it is well understood, are received most abundantly through this unbloody one, so far is the latter from derogating in any way from the former.”
It is not a repetition; Christ is not re-crucified. The Sacrifice of the Mass is unbloody after the order of Melchizedek.
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