5 things before deciding not to go to mass
5 things before deciding not to go to Mass: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Catholics were deprived of participation in Mass. This deprivation has lasted for months, enough time for some Catholics to begin to think that the Mass is no longer central to their lives.
It is important to remember, however, what you give up in order to decide, after a long quarantine, not to return to Mass. Here are 5 important reasons for returning to Mass that Catholics need to remember. The four main reasons for attending Mass: Mass offers us the opportunity to worship God in an appropriate setting and in the most appropriate way; ask him for forgiveness, thank him for the many blessings he has granted us and ask for the grace to always be faithful to him.
When you don't want to go to mass: 5 things to remember
The Eucharist as spiritual nourishment: The reception of the Holy Eucharist is the acceptance of Christ and offers a more abundant life: “I am the living bread which came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh ”(John 6:51). There is no better spiritual food for Catholics than what they receive in the Eucharist. The Church lives by the gift of Christ's life.
5 things before deciding not to go to mass
Praying as a community: attending mass gives us the opportunity to pray with others. Community prayer, as opposed to solitary prayer, is more in line with the prayer of the Church as a whole and in conformity with the Communion of Saints. Combining prayer with song, as Augustine states, "Whoever sings prays twice".
Invoking the saints: during the mass the saints of the Church are invoked. The Saints testify that a truly Christian life is possible. We ask for their prayers as we try to imitate their example. Holy Mary Mother of God, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Dominic, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Ignatius of Loyola and many others offer us the certainty that being in their company is a great blessing.
Honoring the dead: those who have died are remembered. They should not be forgotten as members of the Mystical Body of Christ. They may need our prayers. The Church includes both the living and the dead and is a constant reminder that the life of the dead, like ours, is eternal. Mass is a prayer for everyone and forever.
Receive grace to correct your life: we approach Mass with a certain humility, aware of our sins and our indiscretions. It is time to be honest with ourselves and ask God to help us in the coming days. The Mass, therefore, becomes a springboard for a better and more spiritual life. We must leave Mass with a sense of renewed spirit, better prepared to face the challenges of the world.