Why do Catholics have to go to Mass?
Catechism Meditation:
The precept of the Church specifies the law of the Lord more precisely: “On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass.” “The precept of participating in the Mass is satisfied by assistance at a Mass which is celebrated anywhere in a Catholic rite either on the holy day or on the evening of the preceding day.” The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor. Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin. ―Nos. 2180-2181
REFLECTION. The Catholic Church reflects this obligation in its Code of Canon Law: “On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass” (1247). The Sunday liturgy is mandatory, like showing up for work—and, just as skipping work can have serious consequences, so can skipping church. In fact, it is a mortal sin to miss Sunday Mass without good reason. For a Catholic, then, whether or not to attend on Sunday is no small decision.
We go to Mass for God, to give Him the glory, thanks, and honor He deserves as our Creator and Redeemer. We don’t go to Mass primarily for ourselves, though we do benefit by going, because through the Mass God draws us into His life, which is the goal of our lives. When a person negligently “skips Mass,” to attend a sporting event, to go shopping, to catch-up on work, to sleep a few extra hours, or not to interrupt vacation, the person is allowing something to take the place of God. Something becomes more valuable than the Holy Eucharist. Yes, such behavior really is indicative of turning one’s back on the Lord and committing a mortal sin.
God must come first in our lives. Our primary duty at Mass is to worship God as a Church and to be nourished with His grace. If the Eucharist is truly what we believe it is, the Source and Summit of our Catholic Faith; the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ; then it’s worth not only an hour on Sunday, it’s worth everything.
PRAYER. Holy Spirit, help me to realize that the Mass is the greatest gift of God to us and our greatest gift to God.
Timeless Wisdom Quote:
“If you do not worship God, you worship something, and nine times out of ten it will be yourself. You have a duty to worship God, not because He will be imperfect and unhappy if you do not, but because you will be imperfect and unhappy.” ― Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen