Do you really understand what the Mass is all about? For Catholics, it’s not just one option to choose from among many worship services offered at other Christian denominations. The Mass has biblical and theological roots that stem from the time of Jesus and apostolic times. It calls for a full, active and conscious participation beyond what most secular communal activities require – a mere passive observer involvement.

“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach?” (Romans 10:13-15) These questions are relevant to us today — in our world and in our Archdiocese of Boston. Our world needs priests now more than ever. A priest is chosen by God to carry on the ministry of Jesus and proclaim the Kingdom of God. As a spiritual father, by leading people to heaven, a priest’s work will last for eternity. The Gospel transforms and gives life to those who believe and follow, but if there is no one to proclaim it, then the world will not be able to receive it. Priests exist to proclaim the life-changing and life-giving Gospel of Jesus Christ. But Saint Paul also asks: “How can people preach unless they are sent?” (cf https://vocationsboston.org/the-priesthood/)

Happy Mother’s Day! I share with you some inspirational quotes and prayers for this special day in honor of mothers.

Dear God,

Bless All Mothers... In this intense nine months, when mothers-to-be are realizing that their life is about to change forever, bless them God, because they feel alternately elated and alarmed. Help each mother-in-waiting to understand that she has been carefully chosen, by both you and by her baby, to guide it through its early years on planet Earth. Let her know that she will never be alone in the process. Help her to remember that her baby is your own perfect creation, just as she, herself, is your own perfect creation. Thank you God, for making each of your creations uniquely perfect in its own way.

Amen.

– from the book Honoring Motherhood: Prayers, Ceremonies & Blessings by Lauren McLaughlin

You may have noticed that the statue of our Blessed Mother Mary is crowned with a wreath of flowers. This is because of the long-standing tradition in the Catholic Church to dedicate the month of May in honor of our Blessed Mother Mary. She stands out among all of the saints because of her special role as the Mother of Jesus, whom we also call - Mother of God, as we recite in the Hail Mary prayer. Still, she also serves as our spiritual mother and mother of our Church. Mary is a role model for us all having accepted God’s call to be a unique instrument in His providential plan. While we continue to celebrate the Easter season in this month dedicated to Mary, I offer you a poem written by Bishop Mark O’Connell, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Boston.