Strength for the Family
“The Eucharist also is the sacrifice of the Church. We are members of the Mystical Body of Christ, and with him, we offer ourselves whole and entire, uniting ourselves in Christ’s intercession with the Father for all of humanity. Our lives – our praise, sufferings, prayer, and work – are united with Christ on the altar and in this way take on new value. Thus all Christians of all generations are united in Christ’s offering.” ~Strengthening Your Family: A Catholic Approach to Holiness at Home, Chapter Ten: Who’s in Charge?
How often do we look at Mass as just another slot on our weekend schedule? Worn out from all our obligations, it’s nice to just sit back in the pew and take in everything that’s going around us in church. We forget that Mass is more than something that happens for us; it’s something that must happen with us – with our active participation in the Sacrifice through our own praise, prayers and offerings.
Straws for the Crib
Today, don’t just attend Mass, participate in the Mass. Listen carefully to the words, follow along in the Missal, pray the prayers with sincerity. Think of the most difficult thing you had to work through this past week, and offer it on the patten along with our Lord.
Here’s a prayer you might use in the case you are unable to attend Mass physically.
Send Your Angel to Holy Mass
Oh, holy angel at my side, go to the church for me.
Kneel in my place at holy Mass, where I desire to be.
At Offeratory, in my stead, take all I am and own,
and place it as a sacrifice upon the altar throne.
At holy Consecration’s bell, adore on bended knee,
my Jesus, hidden in the Host, come down from heaven for me.
And when the priest Communion takes, oh bring my Lord to me.
That his Sweet Heart may rest on mine, and I his temple be.
Then pray for those I dearly love, and those who cause me grief,
that Jesus’ blood may cleanse all hearts and suffering souls relieve.
Pray that this Sacrifice Divine may mankind’s sins efface,
then bring me Jesus’ blessing home, the pledge of every grace. Amen.
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