Fr. Mike Responds to “I Don’t Get Anything Out of Mass"
Sep 19, 2024
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Fr. Mike Schmitz, a dedicated priest known for his engaging approach to faith, dives into the misconception of attending Mass for personal gain. He emphasizes that true worship is not about what we receive but about the sacrifices we offer to God. Fr. Mike encourages listeners to shift their mindset and embrace the essence of worship by adopting a 'priestly heart.' This perspective can transform one's experience at Mass, leading to deeper spiritual fulfillment and connection.
The essence of Mass focuses on worship and sacrifice, encouraging individuals to prioritize their offerings to God over personal fulfillment.
Cultivating a 'priestly heart' during Mass fosters community engagement and a deeper spiritual connection through collective worship and sacrifice.
Deep dives
The True Purpose of the Mass
The core purpose of the Mass is worship, which fundamentally shifts the focus from personal gain to giving. Many people perceive Mass as an opportunity to receive spiritual fulfillment, leading to the common sentiment of not getting anything out of it. However, the essential nature of worship lies in participating actively and offering oneself in the communal celebration. By understanding that attending Mass is about engaging in worship, individuals can cultivate a mindset that prioritizes what they can contribute spiritually rather than what they can extract from the experience.
Embracing a Priestly Heart
Approaching the Mass with a 'priestly heart' allows attendees to grasp their active role in the liturgical sacrifice. This perspective encourages people to enter the church with the intention of offering their prayers and hearts alongside the ministerial priest. Recognizing that they are part of a community unified in worship fosters a deeper connection to the sacrificial nature of the Mass. By shifting from a mindset of receiving to one of offering, individuals can experience a transformative spiritual journey that enhances their engagement and reverence during the celebration.
You’ve definitely either said—or met someone who’s said—“I go to Mass, but I just don’t get anything out of it.”
Fr. Mike gets you. He’s said it too. But what he’s learned and cannot stop telling everyone is that Mass is not about you or getting anything out of it.
The heart of religion is worship, and the heart of worship is sacrifice.
Mass is not about what you can get, but what you can give to God that is due to him as Lord of the Universe.