Pope Leo, in certain of his recent public addresses, has expressed his appreciation for the increasing support of Christianity in general, and Catholicism in particular, in the last year, especially among young people. As reported by Cindy Wooden in the media outlet “Catholic News Agency”, Pope Leo stated that recognizing “our communion as members of the body of Christ naturally opens us to the universal dimension of the church’s mission of evangelization.” It should inspire Catholics “to transcend the confines of our individual parishes, dioceses and nations, in order to share with every nation and people the surpassing richness of the knowledge of Jesus Christ.”
Pope Leo reminds us that this mission of evangelization should encourage Catholics throughout the world to actively participate in the Mass, and have a great appreciation for the Mass and the Eucharist. The Church teaches that the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith.
Pope Leo echoed the sentiments of our late Holy Father, Pope Francis, who stated in the media outlet “Aleteia”, “for Christians, it is vital to participate in the Eucharist, especially on Sundays, since it allows us to unite ourselves with Christ, taking part in His victory over death, and to enjoy the fruits of the resurrection.”
The Catholic publication, “Our Sunday Visitor”, as previously noted, also addressed the importance of the need to actively participate in the Mass. It stated:
- “The Mass also gives you the opportunity to:
- Seek forgiveness for your sins.
- Learn how God’s word impacts your life in the homily.
- Offer yourself to the Lord.
- Experience the miracle of bread and wine changing into the Body and Blood of Christ.
- Reach out to others with the Peace of Christ.
- Admit that you are not worthy, and then come forward to receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ.
- Receive a special blessing.
- Be commissioned to go out and make the world a better place.”
The publication also reminds us that, “When we come together at Mass to pray and worship God, we fulfill a deep need inside of us to be in communion with other people. … They help us to see that we are not alone. They remind us that we are all part of the Body of Christ.”
As we reflect on these sentiments, Pope Leo has encouraged us to embrace a spirit of missionary discipleship, with the Mass and the Eucharist at the center, as we truly and publicly proclaim and live our Catholic faith.