Do I Have to Go to Mass? Sunday Obligation Explained

Summary

Father Mike Schmitz discusses the importance of attending Sunday Mass, emphasizing it as a matter of justice and worship. He explains that intentionally missing Mass is a mortal sin, requiring confession before receiving Communion. The Mass is a way to give back to God what He deserves, symbolized by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Sunday is chosen for this covenant renewal because of Christ's resurrection. Schmitz encourages participation not only out of obligation but also love, highlighting the impact of individual attendance on glorifying God and sanctifying the world.

Takeaways

• 🙏 The obligation to attend Mass on Sunday is a matter of justice; we owe God our worship for everything He has given us.
• 💡 Skipping Mass on Sunday intentionally is considered a mortal sin and requires confession before receiving Holy Communion.
• 🌍 God, the creator of the universe, has given us everything, and justice demands that we give back by worshipping Him.
• 🙌 Worship during Mass is not about how we feel or what we get out of it, but about offering God what He deserves.
• 📜 The best offering we can give to God is the representation of Jesus' sacrifice, which is the core of every Mass.
• 🏞️ It's okay to feel closer to God in nature or other settings, but Mass is about fulfilling an obligation, not just personal feelings.
• ⛪ Mass on Sunday is part of renewing the covenant with God, following the resurrection of Jesus, which happened on a Sunday.
• 📅 Sunday is the new day of creation and covenant, replacing the Sabbath of the Old Testament, and is the designated day for worship.
• 💒 The Church needs every member to be present at Mass because each person's participation and prayers glorify God and sanctify the world.
• ❤️ While attending daily Mass and other prayers is an act of love, attending Sunday Mass is primarily an act of justice and obedience.

Q & A

Why is it considered a mortal sin to intentionally skip Mass on Sunday?

Intentionally skipping Mass on Sunday is considered a mortal sin because it violates the Sunday obligation to worship God. It's seen as a grave matter, and by knowingly choosing not to attend Mass, a person is neglecting their duty to God.

What is the concept of justice in relation to attending Mass?

Justice, in the context of Mass, means giving God what we owe Him for all He has given us. Attending Mass is seen as a way to offer God our worship, which is considered an act of justice.

Why does Father Mike Schmitz say that feelings are not the primary reason to attend Mass?

Father Mike emphasizes that Mass is not about getting something or feeling a certain way; it is about giving God what He deserves—our worship. The obligation to attend Mass is rooted in justice, not personal emotions or preferences.

What is the 'Sunday obligation,' and why is it important?

The Sunday obligation refers to the requirement for Catholics to attend Mass every Sunday. It is important because Sunday is the day of the new covenant, when Jesus rose from the dead, and attending Mass is seen as fulfilling the duty to worship God on the day of covenant renewal.

Why is Sunday considered the day of the covenant in Christianity?

Sunday is considered the day of the covenant because it is the day Jesus rose from the dead, marking a new creation and a new covenant between God and humanity. By attending Mass on Sunday, Catholics renew their participation in this covenant.

What does it mean to 'offer the sacrifice of Jesus' during Mass?

During Mass, Catholics participate in offering the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ—His life, death, and resurrection—to God the Father. This is the central act of worship in the Mass, where Jesus' sacrifice is made present for the salvation of the world.

Why does Father Mike argue that feeling closer to God elsewhere does not replace Mass attendance?

Father Mike acknowledges that people may feel closer to God in nature or other settings, but Mass is about giving God the worship He deserves, not just experiencing personal feelings. The obligation to attend Mass is based on justice, not personal preferences.

How does Mass participation contribute to the sanctification of the world?

When Catholics attend Mass and offer prayers, it glorifies God and sanctifies the world. Father Mike stresses that when someone is absent from Mass, the world is less sanctified because their prayers and presence are missed.

What does Father Mike mean by saying 'the Church needs you at Mass'?

Father Mike explains that every individual's participation in Mass is crucial. When someone attends, their presence adds to the glorification of God and the sanctification of the world. The Church and the community need each person’s prayers and participation.

How does Father Mike describe the relationship between justice and love in attending Mass?

Father Mike describes justice as the initial motivation for attending Mass, as Catholics owe God their worship. However, over time, love can grow, and people may attend Mass not only out of obligation but also out of a desire to show their love for God.