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November 14 | Your Last Mass
A.D. 1128–1180
How do you feel about attending Mass?
The Mass is at the center of Catholic tradition, and yet, the general consensus today seems to be that the Mass is boring. We have become used to hearing children say, “I don’t want to go to Church. Mass is boring!” Children have been saying this for generations. But even many adults have some common complaints: “The music isn’t good!” “It’s not relevant to my modern life!” “I don’t get anything out of it!”
If you’ve ever felt bored, disengaged, or uninspired at Mass, you’re not alone. But there are certainly things you can do to help you have a better experience. For instance, you can start by getting inspired by today’s saint: Laurence O'Toole.
Laurence was born in Ireland and did great things as the Archbishop of Dublin. But beyond his love for the faith and the people of Ireland, his dedication to the Mass stands out. On one particular trip to England, Laurence was celebrating Mass like any other day. But during this Mass, a man attempted to murder him by striking him on the head. Laurence fell to the ground with such a serious wound that everyone in attendance thought he was dead. But when he regained consciousness, he continued with the Mass as if nothing had happened. (Even though after he died, his relics were examined and his skull was still damaged from the blow.)
What makes Laurence’s experience at the Mass different from the many, many Catholics who feel bored at Mass? He celebrated every Mass like it was his first Mass, his last Mass, and his only Mass.
This leaves us with one question: If you could only go to Mass once in your entire life, if you could only receive the Eucharist once, how satisfied or dissatisfied would you be with how you participated in Mass last Sunday?
So, this is your challenge for today. From now on, each time you go to Mass, participate as if it were your first Mass, your last Mass, your only Mass.
Imagine you could only participate in Mass one more time before meeting God for the Final Judgment. How would you prepare? What would you wear? What intentions would you bring to that Mass? Who would you pray for knowing you wouldn’t see them again in this lifetime? It’s impossible to know when your last Mass will be. But in any case, the best way to prepare yourself for that day is to approach each Mass you are blessed to attend as if it were your first, last, and only.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MASS?
I will attend my next Mass like it is my first Mass, my last Mass, my only Mass.
This reflection is brought to you from book title.
Feast Day: November 14
Feast Day Shared By: Saint Serapion of Algiers
Patron Saint of: Dublin and Head injuries
Canonized: December 11, 1225
Canonized By: Pope Honorius III