"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.
"I have no idea where I am going; I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself...But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing. And I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always..." -Thomas Merton
I have come to fall in love with teaching in Catholic schools. What are YOU in love with?...
I need the "like" button from facebook. ;)
ReplyDelete