Why go to Mass on Sunday?
There is no surer pledge or clearer sign of this great hope in the new heavens and new earth in which righteousness dwells than the Eucharist. Every time this mystery is celebrated the work of our redemption is carried on and we break the one bread that provides the medicine of immortality, the antidote for death and the food that makes us live forever in Jesus Christ. (CCC 1405)
The Benefits of Participating in Mass:
Jesus invites us to Mass. He longs for us to meet Him in the celebration of the Eucharist.
Jesus tells us that Holy Communion provides the means for our eternal salvation “…if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever…” (CCC 1406)
Jesus “pours out the graces of salvation” to those attending Mass. (CCC 1407)
We actually get to be part of the re-presentation of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, celebrating the memorial of Christ’s Passover through hearing the Word of God, offering thanksgiving in community, and participating in the Holy Sacrifice. (CCC 1408, 1409) We get to be present at the Miracle of Miracles.
Christ himself, through the ministry of the priest, offers the Eucharistic sacrifice. (CCC 1410)
We don’t have to be in the state of grace just to attend Mass. However, if we are in the state of grace, we can receive Jesus in Holy Communion, which pours out even more benefits: (CCC 1416)
Increased union with the Lord
Forgives venial sins
Preserves us from serious sins
Strengthens the bonds of unity with Christ
Reinforces the unity among all the members of the Church
To be in a state of grace so that we can receive Holy Communion, we must attend Mass on Sundays (or the Saturday vigil), as well as any Holy Days of Obligation (CCC 1389); in this way, we can benefit from the treasury God offers us.
Having passed from this world to the Father, Christ gives us in the Eucharist the pledge of glory with him. Participation in the Holy Sacrifice identifies us with his Heart, sustains our strength along the pilgrimage of this life, makes us long for eternal life, and unites us even now to the Church in heaven, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and all the saints. (CCC 1419)
3 Main Things to Remember About the Eucharist
(CCC 1358) We must therefore consider the Eucharist as:
Thanksgiving and praise to the Father
The sacrificial memorial of Christ and His Body
The presence of Christ by the power of His word and of His Spirit
(CCC 1359) In the Eucharistic sacrifice, the whole of creation loved by God is presented to the Father through the death and the Resurrection of Christ. Through Christ, the Church can offer the sacrifice of praise in thanksgiving for all that God has made good, beautiful, and just in creation and humanity.
There is no greater way to give thanks to God than by going to Mass.