Church of the Madalene

The Mass is what we do, but not for the reason we might think. It’s easy to assume that it’s called Mass because that’s what we do—we mass together. Actually it’s called Mass because of what we do afterwards, we go forth.

The term Mass is from the Latin phrase that used to be stated at the end of the service, “Ite missa est.” Which means “Go, it (the church) is sent.” Our English word “dismiss” is derived from the Latin word “missa” so Mass is our dismissal, not our gathering.¹ This interesting little fact puts Mass in a whole new perspective for us.

Mass becomes our pre-game locker room meeting with the coach (Jesus); we get our encouragement, spiritual nourishment, and instruction; then we are “sent fourth” to win the game.

There is an old joke that states the most dangerous place on earth is the parish parking lot after Mass. So, are we rushing off because we feel we have met our weekly obligation to God, and are in a hurry to do our own thing? Or, are we rushing out on to the field to win the game for God and his people, to be a worthy Christian example to our neighbors, friends and, most importantly, complete strangers in need. I’m going to consciously strive for the latter. Pray for me.

1. Michael Dubruiel, The How-To Book of the Mass (Huntington, Indiana: Our Sunday Visitor, Inc. 2002), 21.