One of the greatest privileges Jesus makes available to his Church is for us to be able to share in the tremendous and awe-inspiring gift of the sacrifice of the Mass. As Catholics it is our firm belief that we have no greater or more important way of giving honour, praise and thanks to God on whom we depend ultimately for eveything, of having our hearts open to his mercy and forgiveness; and of seeking his help and support, than through the sacrifice of the Mass. That is why priests and people down through the ages, in the present century and even in this decade, have risked life and limb to come together and join in ints celebration. You can, I hope, begin to appreciate why the Church obliges us to be present at Mass on the Lord's Day (Sunday) and on Holy Days of Obligation or their vigils (the evening before) in order to fulfil the Lord's command to keep them holy.

However you may still say or think that if the Mass is so very obviously important and advantageous, 'Why are people placed under an obligation to be present at Mass?' An answer is that we are all human and we need props and support at all times. You would not think it necessary for governments etc. to legislate to protect young children from their parents harming them. Yet we know it is necessary. As we are all subject to certain consequences of original sin, we can rise to great heights and a short time later sink to the lowest depths in our way of behaving.

No Holy Communion - why bother?

You may well know, or indeed be one of those who say, 'I'd love to come to Mass but I can't receive Holy Communion. Why bother then to come to Mass?'

The Church's answer is clear and simple: No matter who you are; no matter what your situation is, relating to marriage or anything else, everyone present at Mass, irrespective of whether they receive Holy Communion or not, can share in the unlimited and breathtaking opportunities which Jesus makes available to all present at Mass: opportunities which enable us to offer honour, praise and thanksgiving; and to make pleadings for ourselves and others, living and dead, to the Almighty in the most effective way that is possible in this life. However, it must be said that the most effective way of participating in the Mass is by the reception of a worthy Holy Communion.

It's Boring and Tiresome

Perhaps you may be one of those people who in the past have found the Mass boring and tiresome. I think most of us realise that on reflection if we personally find something is somewhat boring it doesn't mean to say it's true. Often it is because we don't really understand or appreciate the full facts of the situation or really know the person. In particular, the Mass and Holy Communion might be compared to a Blood Transfusion to a sick and weak patient in hospital. It's boring and very tiresome if they don't understand that it is healing and life giving.

No one remains untouched

No matter how uneasy you may feel at Mass, or indeed how guilty or embarassed you are, no one, no one, no matter who they are, ever comes to Mass and goes away without Almighty God, through Jesus, enriching them in some way. Yes, power goes out from the altar where the Sacrifice of the Mass is being offered, and it reaches all. Of course, the closer we try to come to God in our daily lives, the greater its intensity.

Remember that lovely and true episode, found in St Luke's Gospel Chapter 8 vv. 43-48. "Now there was a woman suffering from a haemorrhage for twelve years whom no one had been able to cure. She came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak and the haemorrhage stopped at that instant. Jesus said, 'Who touched me?' When they all denied that they had, Peter and his companions said, 'Master it is the crowds around you pushing.' But Jesus said, 'Somebody touched me. I felt that power had gone out from me.' Seeing herself discovered, the woman came forward trembling and falling at His feet explained in front of all the people why she had touched Him and how she had been cured at that very moment. 'My daughter', He said, 'Your faith has restored you to health; Go in peace.'

It is the same Jesus who is always present at our Mass. No wonder millions of Catholics throughout the world are so faithful to the Mass; and priests and faithful members of the Church shout from the roof-tops about the wonder and power of the Mass. It is, of course, their fidelity, in many cases, to daily Mass, that speaks louder than any words.