Now the Catechism does go on to point out that the word “daily” means a lot of other things, too. It’s not just about satisfying our bodily hunger but is related directly to the Bread of Life and reminds us that the Eucharist is not only a foretaste of the kingdom to come but something to be celebrated daily, if possible. Yet, for me the most poignant meaning of the word is the filial trust it demands – to keep asking and believing every single day even when our human eyes don’t see the transformation, the answered prayers, the changes, the gifts of bread."Arise and eat, else the journey will be too great for you" (1 King 19:7). I first read that verse when I was reading Ecclesia de Eucharistia - or "On the Eucharist in Its Relationship to the Church" - by (now) Blessed Pope John Paul II. When I read it, it was like a "D'oh" moment, like, of course! Of course I need my bread daily, otherwise how would I make it through the day? And I mean that literally and spiritually speaking.
When we are making a long journey, we need daily sustenance, otherwise we grow weak and incapable of making our journey. The same is true for this long spiritual journey we are on. Often I wonder at the fact that yes, of course, we are required to go to Mass every Sunday; but isn't that the bare minimum to get by? Isn't that like purposely starving our souls just because it's what's required, deliberately weakening our system and opening ourselves up for spiritual attack?
Don't get me wrong, I don't mean to make it sound like, "Geez, all you people who only go to Mass weekly! Don't you know you are deliberately endangering your souls?" Though I wish I was a daily Mass-goer like my dad, right now, it can be hard to make it, though there are days I could go and don't. But I want to challenge myself, and perhaps you as well, that we should try harder to make it to Mass more often. Going to Mass more often is of benefit to our souls and therefore to the world. We don't have to wait until Sunday to receive nourishment from the Lord! We are strengthened for this spiritual journey by eating more frequently, we are strengthened against attacks from the enemy, and we are encouraged by listening to the words of God Himself.
If you are a daily Mass-goer, or perhaps twice weekly, could you share how that has impacted your spiritual life?
I used to go to daily Mass years ago, but got out of the habit. I have no good excuse for not doing it now, other than the cost of gas which considering the distance of my home to the church would cost me about $70 a week, which I can't afford.
ReplyDeleteI do go to Perpetual Adoration as a regular adorer on Saturday mornings, however. I also stop in at the Perpetual Adoration Chapel whenever I am in the area or if I'm feeling the need to be physically close to Jesus. That has had a great impact on my life. Whenever I am away on vacation and cannot go, I feel such a longing to be there, to have that private time with Jesus. I was lucky enough last year to find out the church that had an Adoration hour while I was there and that just made my vacation complete...I was floating on air after receiving such an unexpected gift!
I do pray daily and often. I've found that making it a point to stop everything I'm doing and pray a Mercy Chaplet at 3:00 pm is another way to obtain my "daily bread". I also make it a point to be sure that my last thoughts before falling asleep are in prayer and thanksgiving to God.