Q. What does it mean when someone says we “encounter” Jesus in the Mass? How do we do that?
A. Great question, thank you. This is especially relevant now that the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days has been restored.
Active participation at Mass is where we encounter, or meet, the living God who is not fully present anywhere else in the same manner. The Mass is a precious gift where we live out our responsibility of keeping the Sabbath holy.
Everything we have comes from God the Father, and the Mass provides an opportunity to offer Him a pleasing sacrifice, the perfect offering of His perfect Son. Jesus has generously made us members of His body, so the Mass becomes our offering to the Father, as well.
The first way Christ is present at Mass is “in the person of the priest.” This is why the priest wears vestments when he celebrates the Eucharist: it signifies he is acting in the person of Christ (in persona Christi), not in his own person. The ordained priest is an icon of Christ, the true Priest. Through him, Jesus makes his priesthood present in a very special way.
Second, we encounter Jesus in the living Word of God. The Church has always venerated Divine Scripture, especially in the sacred liturgy. The readings and prayers at Mass immerse us in God’s word and lead us to recognize God’s voice.
Third, we encounter God as a body of believers worshiping together in community. By our baptism, we are joined as the mystical body of Christ—a spiritual body—with Jesus as our head. Together, we are one.
The fourth and most special way is that the Lord is present at Mass in the Eucharist. Very tangibly, He becomes our food. This food strengthens and nourishes us in a way unlike any other, and the only place to receive His life-giving presence is at Mass.
The “obligation” to attend Mass becomes our joyful offering to show our debt of gratitude for all the Lord has done for us. Nothing can replace the experience of attending Mass—the highest form of prayer.
Thanks be to God for Mass in person! Thanks so much for your question.
This question was answered by a priest of the Diocese of Lincoln. Write to Ask the Register using our online form, or write to 3700 Sheridan Blvd., Suite 10, Lincoln NE 68506-6100. All questions are subject to editing. Editors decide which questions to publish. Personal questions cannot be answered. People with such questions are urged to take them to their nearest Catholic priest.
