How often do we find ourselves busy with so many things—work, studies, commitments, leisure… But what about God? Where does He fit into our routine? The Holy Mass is, par excellence, the moment when heaven touches earth. It is there that we participate in the greatest mystery of our faith: the sacrifice of Christ, renewed in an unbloody manner upon the altar. So, why go to Mass? Because Jesus is there. And He is waiting for us.
1. A Meeting of Love
Jesus loved us to the end. He gave Himself for us on the cross, shedding His blood to save us. How can we respond to such love? The answer is also love. Going to Mass should not be seen merely as an obligation, but as the most sublime encounter we can have with the Lord of life. It is a concrete act of love and faithfulness.
2. A Commandment from God
“Keep holy the Lord’s Day” is the third commandment of God’s Law (cf. Ex 20:8-11). The Church, in her wisdom, expresses this in a precept: “The faithful are obliged to participate in the Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation” (CCC 2180). The Catechism further teaches: “Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin” (CCC 2181).
Therefore, missing Sunday Mass without a serious reason is a mortal sin. This is not a cold rule but a call of love. God asks for one day a week when, as Church, we worship Him, listen to Him, and unite ourselves to Him in the Eucharist.
3. Like Mary, Choose the Better Part
In the Gospel, Martha complains that Mary is not helping with the chores, but Jesus replies: “Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her” (Lk 10:42).
Who is this Mary? She is Mary of Bethany, sister of Martha and Lazarus (whom Jesus raised from the dead in John 11). They were close friends of Jesus, and He often visited their home in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem.
Sometimes, we get lost in our tasks and forget what is essential: to sit at the feet of Jesus.
Going to Mass is choosing the better part. Our schedules, our commitments, our leisure all have their place. But God is the center. We have six days for our activities; Sunday is the Lord’s Day.
4. The Most Common Excuses
“I didn’t have time,” “We had visitors,” “I was tired”… How many times do we make excuses not to go to Mass! But the truth is, we always find time for what interests us. If we can find time for sports, entertainment, and leisure, why not for Jesus?
Loving God above all things is the first commandment. When we place Him second, we show that He is not yet at the center. Going to Mass is a clear sign that He is our priority.
5. When Missing Mass Is Justified
There are situations where missing Mass is not sinful:
- Illness or physical limitations that prevent leaving home;
- No accessible church or Mass available nearby;
- An urgent situation requiring charity, like helping someone in need.
In such cases, the heart is willing, but the body cannot follow. And God, who is just and merciful, knows our limits.
6. When There’s No Justification…
However, if we miss Mass out of laziness, indifference, or because we prioritized other things, we commit mortal sin. And those in mortal sin must go to confession before receiving Communion. Reconciliation is necessary to approach the Eucharist worthily again.
Sunday Mass cannot be replaced by weekday Mass. Attending Mass on Monday, for example, does not “make up” for missing Sunday. Sunday, the Lord’s Day, is the center of the liturgical week.
7. The Grace of Participating in Holy Mass
Saint Gregory the Great said: “Indeed, the one who devoutly attends Holy Mass will be preserved from many evils and dangers, even if he is unaware of it.” Mass is a source of grace, nourishment for the soul, and an encounter with Christ Himself.
Attending Mass brings countless spiritual, emotional, and even communal benefits. Here are some of the main ones:
- A Real Encounter with Jesus
At Mass, we participate in the sacrifice of Christ, who becomes present on the altar. The Eucharist is the very Body and Blood of Jesus, given in love. Receiving Him is the summit of the Christian life (cf. Jn 6:51).
“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him.” (Jn 6:56)
“For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.” (Jn 6:55)
“This is my body, given for you; do this in memory of me.” (Lk 22:19)
- Spiritual Strength
Mass strengthens us to resist temptation and persevere in faith. It is nourishment for the soul, inner healing, and renewal of baptismal grace.
- Fulfilling God’s Commandment
The 3rd commandment (“Keep holy the Lord’s Day”) is fulfilled concretely by participating in Sunday Mass. It is not just an obligation but a response of love to the One who loved us first.
- Unity with the Community
Mass is communion—with God and with our brothers and sisters. Celebrating in community strengthens the bonds of faith and reminds us we are not alone on the Christian journey.
- Forgiveness of Venial Sins
At Mass, especially during the penitential act and through worthy Communion, we are cleansed of venial sins. Grave sins, however, still require sacramental confession.
- Abundant Graces for Us and for the World
Each Mass has infinite value. By participating, we intercede for the living and the dead, offering merits that bring graces to the Church, the world, and even the souls in purgatory.
- Growth in Holiness
Attending Mass with faith, attention, and devotion makes us more like Christ. The liturgy educates us in the Word, purifies us, and conforms us to Him.
We shouldn’t go only when we feel like it. We go out of love, fidelity, and spiritual need. Christ awaits us at every altar, longing to feed us with His Word and His Body.
Conclusion: The Least We Can Offer
Attending Sunday Mass is the very least a Catholic can offer to God. It is the deepest act of gratitude and worship. Those who discover this treasure never want to live without it.
If you feel distant, take one step: return to Mass. Let the Lord become the center of your life again. He is waiting for you with eternal love.
Take time this week to prepare your heart and live the Holy Mass more deeply. Christ is waiting for you with open arms.
Last reviewed on: May 14, 2025.
