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The Mass is the center of our worship. It is the means by which
the sacrifice of the cross is continued among us. Jesus is present
in the Eucharist. His sacrifice on Calvary occurs at the Mass.
Barriers of time and space are swept away and we are present at Calvary. It seems impossible, but Jesus in John 6 makes it clear that the Eucharist is his body and blood. He says, "Unless you eat of my body and drink of my blood you will not have life with in you." Many of his disciples could not believe this. John 6:66, "They walked with Him no more." Jesus did not back down even though he lost many followers. Jesus is with us at Mass. Time is complex. Einstein says time moves at different rates in different situations. There is data that proves this. Theoretical physicists say that time travel may be possible. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is Jesus' sacrifice on Calvary. Removing barriers of time and space are no problem for God. One of the problems the Church is facing is a decline in Mass attendance. One reason for the decline is poor catechesis. Many Catholics do not understand the Mass. When we work in Religious Education we should make sure the students understand the Mass. When we encounter people, whether it is at the Literature Stand, jails, nursing homes, when we make home visits with the Pilgrim Virgin, or go door to door, we should encourage people to go to Mass frequently. We need to deepen our own appreciation for the Mass so that we will better communicate an enthusiasm for it to others. |