Preparing for Mass: Read Ahead

Going to Mass is the most important thing we do all week. Seriously.

At Mass, Heaven touches earth. Jesus becomes truly present on the altar, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. His sacrifice on the cross is re-presented that we may participate in it and that its saving effects may be applied to us.

At Mass, we receive Jesus into our bodies, our minds, and our hearts. He enters into us physically and spiritually, strengthening us, healing us, loving us.

At Mass, we hear Jesus speak to us through His inspired Word. As Mass, we pray as the Church, the Body and the Bride of Christ. At Mass, we offer ourselves completely, all that we are, all that we have, all that we think, all that we feel, all that we do, and Jesus gives Himself to us completely in return.

Why then do we so often hear people complaining that Mass is boring, that they “don't get anything out of it”? First off, they probably haven't been catechized properly; they don't understand what a marvelous, miraculous gift they're given every time they go to Mass.

Second, though, they don't get anything out of it because they don't bring anything into it. They don't prepare themselves ahead of time so that they may experience the Mass fully. That's what this series of posts will be about: preparing our minds and hearts for Mass.

We'll begin with something basic: before Mass, take some time to read Scripture readings from the lectionary. (They're readily available on the U.S. Catholic Bishops' website.) Read them slowly and prayerfully. Look for connections, especially between the First Reading, the Psalm, and the Gospel, which often concentrate on similar themes. Open your heart to receive God's personal message to you. What strikes you particularly? What resonates? If there is anything you don't understand, consult a commentary. You may wish to purchase Scott Hahn's Ignatius Catholic Study Bible (complete in the New Testament with several books of the Old Testament already available) or the Navarre commentary series. Your parish may have some of these volumes (or other commentaries) on hand; just ask.

Read through the Mass readings at least once, more times if possible, during the week, and take a little time to review them right before Mass. You'll find that you will pay closer attention during the Liturgy of the Word, and if you do get distracted, you'll be able to bring your attention back more easily. You'll also understand Father's homily much better!

So that's the first step in preparing for Mass: read ahead!