Celebrating the Year of Faith by Encountering Jesus in the Mass

The Year of Faith encourages us to participate in the Mass.  Every part of the liturgy helps us experience a personal encounter with Jesus. Of the many ways available, Mass is my first choice for coming into God’s presence.

He is everywhere around us. Christ is present in the assembly of the Body of Christ in the pews, in the priest or bishop who presides, in the word proclaimed in the readings and explained in the homily.  He is always present in the consecrated bread and wine, in the presence of the saints and angels adoring God around the altar with us, and in our bodies as we receive him.

Though different, each of these channels of his presence is real.  Each offers us a unique opportunity to recognize Christ with us.

 So prepare to receive his presence in the Eucharist through repentance and meditation before mass.  Fully participate in mass.  Surrender to the Lord at the consecration with expectant faith in God that he will fill you with his love, to overflowing. 

Burn in your mind the memory of that moment of communion with him.  Stay in his presence by returning to this touchstone during the day with songs of thanksgiving in your heart. Carry him wherever you go and use every opportunity to give away that joy alive in your heart.

More information on the Year of Faith is available online: www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/year-of-faith/index.cfm

(© 2012 Nancy H C Ward)