7 Reasons to Go to Weekly Mass

Our souls receive nourishment.

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Just before Mass ends, we receive the Eucharist. In it, we receive something infinitely greater than what we receive from a little extra sleep or a little more rest and relaxation. Those things are important too. But from the Eucharist, we receive miraculous nourishment for our souls that can’t be found in anything else.

In 2011, Pope Benedict XVI said “Being nourished by Christ is the way not to be…indifferent to the fate of the brethren, but rather to enter into the same logic of love and of the gift of the sacrifice of the Cross; anyone who can kneel before the Eucharist, who receives the Body of the Lord, cannot but be attentive in the ordinary daily routine to situations unworthy of the human being; anyone who…can break his own bread with the hungry and share water with the thirsty, who can clothe the naked and visit the sick person and the prisoner (cf. Mt 25:34-36). This person will be able to see in every individual that same Lord who did not hesitate to give the whole of himself for us and for our salvation.”

We receive insight into the Word of God.

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Although it’s essential that we know God’s will for us through Scripture, it’s equally important that we understand the Word of God. Not only that, but it’s also crucial that we know how to apply this wisdom to our lives. While understanding is one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, we don’t all have the same degree of that gift bestowed upon us. Many of us hear the readings and don’t grasp how much they apply to our modern lives.

But the priest’s homily (sermon) should be filled with contemplative understanding of the readings. It can often help us to better relate to what Jesus teaches us. In May of 2014, Pope Francis spoke with a group of rectors and students of the pontifical colleges and residences of Rome. He said “The theology of the homily is somewhat sacramental. It is different than saying words about a topic. It’s something more. It implies prayer, it implies study, it implies knowing the people to whom you will speak, it implies closeness."

Our prayers are strengthened.

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With everything going on in the world right now, there is no doubt that the world needs our prayers as much as at any other time in history. There’s no shortage of violence, poverty, prejudice, disasters and disrespect for human dignity. However, if we gather together to pray, as we do at each Mass, we can make a difference. It might not be obvious right away. But, somewhere in the world, those prayers will be answered in some way – whether it be food for

the hungry, clean water for the impoverished or dignity and healing for the sick.

Our own personal prayers will also be strengthened. In Matthew 18:20, Jesus said “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."

We become part of a diverse community.

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With prejudice still being a major problem in our world, it’s vital to find ways to combat it – for our own good and for the good of our society. Believe it or not, going to Mass each week is one way to fight many types of prejudice. Although there are some Catholic churches that are dedicated to serving a particular ethnic group, and they have Masses in the group’s native language, the majority of Catholic parishes serve diverse communities. At Mass, we stand shoulder to shoulder with people of different ethnicities, races, cultures and economic and educational backgrounds. We offer peace to one another. We pray together. We are united as brothers and sisters in Christ. If we experience this bond on a weekly basis, how can there be room for prejudice?

It allows us to give back.

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In addition to uniting us, it gives us the chance to work together to help those in need in our communities and around the world. For instance, at the end of some Masses, the priest will announce a need for volunteers to assist a ministry. After other Masses, there will be students or volunteers holding charity fundraisers. Even when there’s a Mass in which neither happens, there will most likely be a notice in the weekly bulletin about an opportunity for parishioners to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate or those who just need a helping hand.

This reason may offer another benefit. Studies have shown that volunteering (with a sincere desire to help) may lower blood pressure and improve volunteers’ mental health as well.

It lets us express our gratitude.

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Of all the reasons to go to Mass each week, this one is, by far, the best. No matter what sorrows, hardships and challenges we’ve faced in our personal lives and in our families, most of us have also experienced God’s blessings. As we know, all truly good things – and people – come from God. In addition to the abundance of personal blessings we’ve received, we also share, as brothers and sisters in Christ, in two of the most amazing gifts we can imagine – the gifts of hope and salvation. Jesus gave His life for us. Through humble prayer, praise and worship in word and in song, we thank God through our participation in the sacred Mass. To start our weeks by expressing our gratitude to God fuels our faith and lifts our spirits.