Sunday Mass: Nourishing Our Faith and Communion with God

What is the purpose of attending Mass every Sunday?

The practice of attending Mass every Sunday is a central aspect of the Catholic faith and worship. It holds profound significance in nurturing our relationship with God and fostering our sense of community as believers. Let us delve into the purpose of attending Mass, drawing insights from both the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

1. Offering Worship and Thanksgiving: Attending Mass on Sundays is a way for us to fulfill the commandment to worship God and offer Him thanks for His abundant blessings. In the Bible, we find the example of early Christians gathering on the first day of the week, the Lord’s Day (Sunday), to break bread and worship together (Acts 20:7; Revelation 1:10). The Eucharistic celebration in the Mass is the highest form of worship, where we unite ourselves with Christ’s offering of Himself on the cross (CCC 1359).
2. Receiving the Eucharist: The highlight of the Mass is the reception of the Eucharist, where ordinary bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Through the Eucharist, we participate in the saving sacrifice of Christ and are nourished spiritually. Jesus Himself said, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life” (John 6:54). The Catechism emphasizes the profound importance of the Eucharist as the source and summit of our Christian life (CCC 1324).
3. Communal Worship and Unity: Attending Mass on Sundays allows us to gather as a community of believers, united in faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the Sunday assembly is a sign and instrument of unity, where the Church gathers around its ordained ministers to celebrate the Eucharist (CCC 1348). It provides an opportunity to worship God together, pray collectively, and strengthen the bonds of fellowship as we share in the sacraments and the Word of God.
4. Instruction and Formation: The Mass is a rich source of instruction and spiritual formation. Through the Liturgy of the Word, we encounter Scripture readings, psalms, and the Gospel proclamation. The homily provides further insights and practical application of God’s Word to our lives. The Catechism affirms that the Liturgy of the Word is an integral part of the Mass, where Christ Himself speaks to us (CCC 1349).
5. Observing the Third Commandment: By attending Mass on Sundays, we fulfill the Third Commandment, which calls us to keep the Sabbath holy. The Catechism teaches that Sunday is the pre-eminent day for the Christian community to come together for the Eucharistic celebration (CCC 2177). It is a day of rest, worship, and spiritual renewal, allowing us to orient our lives toward God.

Attending Mass on Sundays is a profound expression of our faith, allowing us to encounter Christ in the Eucharist, grow in unity as a community, receive spiritual nourishment, and be formed through God’s Word. It is a time of worship, thanksgiving, and fellowship that strengthens our relationship with God and our fellow believers.

References:

• Bible References: Acts 20:7; Revelation 1:10; John 6:54
• Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC): 1324, 1348, 1359, 2177