– Because a Savior has been born to us!  Our Hope has been fulfilled.

– Because the Lord says, “I have called you by name.  You are mine.  You are precious and honored in My sight.  Because I love you.”

– You have been called to the Mass to experience the gift of Jesus’ presence.  “All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God.  Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands: break into songs of praise!”

– Yet Christmas is only the beginning.  You have been called not only to worship but to carry out a unique mission in life.  You have been called in Hope, Thanksgiving, and Faith withich brings you to the ultimate state of joy.

– And God has a plan for you.  A profound plan to participate in building the kingdom.

– Jesus comes to us, let us bring Him to others.  Strengthened by Him in the Eucharist, you are now sent on your mission to bring Christ to your world.  No one else can do what you have been sent to do.  If you do not do it, it will not be done.

– Be not afraid.  He will go with you to guide and support you.  The Mass is your constant touch point to renew, nourish, and strengthen you.

– Because it allows you to see beyond yourself and it allows you to see the Miracle.

– The Miracle is the very presence of Jesus Christ in the transformed Bread and Wine of the Mass.

– Jesus said, “I am the Living Bread that comes down from Heaven. Whoever eats this Bread will have life everlasting.”

– Faith allows us to see this as it happens. Faith allows you to see and experience Jesus not only coming before you but also becoming part of you…and you becoming part of Him.

– This is not a symbolic gesture or imagined event…it is Reality.

– When you receive Jesus in the Eucharist, the Miracle happens to you. But you must be present when this happens.

– Believe and your eyes will be opened.

• What is it that you hope for? Is it the fulfillment of a dream or the termination of some unpleasantness?
• You may be suffering because of worry, fear, disappointment in the loss of a person, or thing, or event. Or, you may desire a positive outcome of some situation for yourself or others.
• God desires peace, success, and redemption for you. He wants peace for your life now. How this happens may not be what you expect, “My ways are not your ways.”
• The Mass is the time and place where this can happen in your life. When we offer our success or suffering to God, it too can become a source of grace, peace and salvation both now and in the future.
• At the offertory, place your life in Jesus’ hands explicitly. This is the ultimate prayer and act of worship for you. Combine your life with Jesus’ sacrifice and he will take your life with His to the Father. This is your hope.
• And, “Be not afraid. I go before you always.”