I spoke to a woman on the phone today. She is overwhelmed with four small children and the idea of keeping them quiet at Mass. I can’t blame her. I remember those years. Our oldest child was almost always suffering from an ear infection, so keeping her quiet was a huge enterprise! As we talked, I gave the mom a few of my pointers, but the best point, I think, was for her to shake off any nasty glances that might come her way. I told her to just keep attending, even if those around her seemed less than encouraging. I also said, the more she came, the more her children would “build the skill” of attending Mass. It might be chaotic I said, but just keep coming! Now, I know that some might read these words and they’ll grow quite angry over my advice. After all, they are coming to Mass to find a peaceful and reflective place to pray, they’ll say. I understand their position, and sympathize with it. Honestly, I do! What I know, however, is that Mass attendance is a moral obligation. The Code of Canon Law (#1247) states, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church (#2180) affirms, that Catholics are obligated to participate in the Mass on Sundays and other Holy Days of Obligation (or on the evening of the preceding day). All of us are supposed to be there, even if Mass attendance comes with some challenges… including the youngest members of our community. I also know that saying that something is “mandatory” or a “moral obligation” is a huge turn off for most folks these days. What I’d like to provide here, instead, is a positive view of why Mass attendance is valuable on a few different levels.
First of all, Jesus told us to gather, and assured us of a radically beautiful reality. He said, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Making Jesus present by our presence is such a blessing! Is God present when we pray all on our own? Sure. God is everywhere, but this special presence when we gather together as community, is an added grace. There, we are provided with the image and manifestation of the Body of Christ, his Church!
Another value in Mass attendance comes in the form of support and encouragement that comes from community life. Things that seem daunting become manageable with the participation of others at our side. St. Paul writes, “[L]et us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25). When you meet with fellow Christians, you also have Godly examples of behavior and beliefs that can spur you in your own spiritual growth.
Next, Paul discussed the unity and diversity within the Church when he wrote to the Corinthians. He said, “The body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.” (1 Corinthians 12:12). Paul asserts that we are all part of the body of Christ, but individually, each member has different gifts. One person may lack in a certain area, but together the Church, as the body of Christ, is stronger. Mass participation builds us up and sends us on a mission. When we get to know those around us, we can offer support and assistance that corresponds with our gifts, and they can do the same. As Catholics, we aren’t always thinking about this aspect of Christianity, yet we should be.
There are many more graces that are obtained from attending Mass, but no space to list them. I share the story of the young mom with you as a way of encouraging all of us to look outside of ourselves, and our particular circumstances, and wants. I wonder, as we look around our worship space, do we see those present as part of our own body? What can we do to support and nurture each other?