I have come to fall in love with teaching in Catholic schools. What are YOU in love with?...

"Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you will do with your evenings, how you will spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything." - Pedro Arrupe

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Mass Changes Us

"You should never leave Mass the same as when you entered it."

Bam. I said it. Well, someone said it to me. But, wouldn't you say that such a simple truth is often overlooked?

And yet, it's impossible not to be changed in even some small way after hearing God's Word and participating in the most holy Eucharist.

By no means am I saying that I leave Mass every week with greater insight, less burdens, or all prayers answered. Heck no. But there's always at least some small take-away and a sense of hope felt in being in communion with others during that one hour. Prayer is so powerful.

And, I just have to believe it is that way for the students as well, even if they don't realize it or if they go kicking and screaming (figuratively, of course). This year we are so blessed because, for the first time at my new school, we will be having weekly Mass for the older students on the new campus. I hope no one at my school takes this for granted! (And I pray I never do either.)

Now that this truth has been pointed out, I don't think it's possible to be forgotten. When I go to Mass, I'm going to try to be a little more conscious of how God is working through me during that time and after the priest sends us forth. And I urge you to do the same whenever you come before the Lord.

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