Coming to God’s House; Not on My List of Chores

Coming to God’s House;
Not on My List of Chores

by Ian Mascarenhas

   Do I look at coming to Mass as a burden?  Is it just one more thing on my already busy schedule?  At one time, going to Mass was almost like a chore — something I didn’t look forward to.

   I didn’t have a connection that was important to me.  Our Mass is a Eucharistic celebration, but unfortunately the latter word isn’t emphasized enough.  It IS a celebration and it must be in, by for and through the faith community.

   Our contributions, including the prayers, the singing and coming to receive Holy Communion support and encourage each of us in our faith journey.  We are becoming a holy communion, the Body of Christ — We are the Church.

   We become living temples where God is present.  When we leave the Eucharistic celebration we are sent out to carry on the mission of Jesus, to bring the Presence of God to others and to bring others to God.

   Through the Mass, the faith community coming together is changed by the Word and Eucharist.  We receive the Word and Eucharist, but then also consume it, making it a part of us, and we are transformed.  We then go out to share the message of Jesus — “You are loved.  Love one another.”

   That’s the kind of connection I look forward to getting when I visit God’s house.  And becoming a holy communion with you all is a wonderful benefit and blessing too.

   In the last few years God has given me a different perspective of “God’s house” to consider.  It is our home too, so we don’t visit, but rather we should feel comfortable in our “sanctuary”.  If we come to “visit God,” we will always be uncomfortable on some level.  When we seek a better understanding, deepen our relationship, develop community-mindedness and build family connections, then our comfort-zone is increased.

   This is the home for our family of faith.  By building/developing/strengthening my relationship with God I get more comfortable in God’s Presence and that comfort level extends to Church also.  “God’s house” can be/feel/seem distant, and definitely not what God wants for us.

   We should also look for ways to invite God into our life.  Reach out to and rely on your Support Group; the community building benefits are great!