Where is Your Heart?

February 7, 2010

When you come to Mass, what are you thinking about? Where is your mind? Are you thinking about your to-do list or worrying about work or family matters? Where is your mind and where is your heart? The documents of Vatican II call for the “full and conscious participation” of the laity in the Mass which means our minds, heart and soul should be concentrating on AND participating in the Mass.

I am taking Liturgy and Sacraments as a course this semester. Our instructor, Fr. Brian Mahoney, pointed out to us reaching the ideal of full and conscious participation in the Mass is very difficult to achieve because as he says: “Face it! Do we really fully and actively participate in the running of our own lives?” I have to admit he is right. Do you run your life the way you want or do you feel controlled by your schedules, family, friends etc.? Do you feel alive?

While at Mass, I often look around and look into your faces and ponder what brought you here today. Are you excited to be here and shout Amen with enthusiasm? Do you raise your voice in song? Are you listening to God’s Word with all your heart and mind? When we attend Mass let us try to not multitask our brains and relish the time spent with Jesus and with our companions in Christ. Let us not allow others to intrude on our time. Let us shout Amen! Let us sing out strong. (So what, if you can’t carry a tune… the Lord still wants to hear your voice!). Let us shout to the Lord, as Isaiah did… “Here I am!” (Is 6:8).
. -God Bless, Holly Clark