Why do I have to go to church? Because God said to. The 10 Commandments include, “Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.” The Catholic catechism says, “On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass.” Jesus worshiped on the Sabbath.
Why can’t I just pray at home? That’s for personal intentions. We pray together for our shared concerns. Liturgy means a “public duty or responsibility.” Praying together is part of the Christian’s job description.
But why do I have to go every single Sunday? Good habits are hard to make and easy to break. Every time we skip Mass, we make it easier to skip the next time. It’s like exercise. Pretty soon, doing what we know we should do becomes a real drag.
But I don’t feel like it. Do you only go to work only when you feel like it? Feelings are unreliable. We might not feel anything when we receive Communion, but foregoing the sacrament will eventually make us feel very far from God. Besides, participating in a boring Mass is good practice for the times when we don’t feel like praying at home or being kind to strangers.
It must not do any good because I see an awful lot of sinners in church. We go to church precisely because we are sinners. We begin Mass by confessing our sins. Through the Eucharist, we receive grace to resist sin in the future.
If I’m only going because I have to, it can’t mean much. You have to send Mom a card on Mother’s Day; you have to get Dad a birthday present. Does that mean you don’t really love them or that they won’t enjoy hearing from you? Besides, you’re not worshiping God for his sake but for your own.
I feel closest to God when I’m out in nature. That’s a blessing, but you might find that closeness at Mass too. Join in the singing. Listen carefully to the Scripture readings. Better yet, read them before Mass. Attend to Father’s homily. Even a bad homily will have one thought worth considering. Offer up the Mass for a special concern or for the needs of your fellow worshipers. Christ draws near to open minds and hearts.
I’ve had a really busy week. And the coming one might be even worse. Better bulk up on grace while you can.
Why does God make us do this? For one thing, we’re evangelizing. People see us attending Mass Sunday after Sunday and even some weekdays, and they wonder what we get out of it. They might ask us why we go regularly. They might come to see for themselves. It’s also a witness to your children and grandchildren that Mass attendance is important. Our financial support of our parish and the church is part of serving the needy as Christ commanded.
I miss the old ways. The church is a family. Sometimes we seniors let the young people pick the music. Sometimes Mother Church asks us to learn something new. Sometimes our immigrant brothers and sisters get to hear Mass, or part of Mass, in their own language. Sometimes we focus our attention on our newest members. Families sacrifice for one another.
I don’t know anyone. Stay for coffee hour; attend pot lucks. Our fellow parishioners can give us prayer support, advice, encouragement and inspiration, but only if we make the effort to get to know them.
But why do I have to go this Sunday? Because you’re not contagious, trapped underground or performing emergency surgery.
But whyyyyy? Because God said to.
Kathleen welcomes comments. Send them to Kathleen Choi, 1706 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo, HI 96720, or e-mail: kathchoi@hawaii.rr.com.
