perfect timing
"Stay with us. It is nearly evening — the day is practically over." —Luke 24:29
The Jewish people of Jesus' time measured their days not from morning to night but from evening to evening. Thus, Jesus began the day of His death with the Last Supper, the first Mass, and He ended the day of His resurrection with the second Mass. After a liturgy of the word (lasting for the time it takes to walk about seven miles), Jesus "took bread, pronounced the blessing, then broke the bread and began to distribute it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized Him" (Lk 24:30-31).
The early Church realized that Jesus' timing of the first two Masses (Eucharists) was very significant. Led by the Spirit (Jn 16:13), they devoted themselves to the breaking of the bread, that is, the Mass (Acts 2:42). Wherever the Church has emphasized devotion to the Mass throughout its history, it has seen the love, power, and glory of God.
Therefore, let us fully enter into the Sunday celebration of the Mass. May it be the center of our Sunday and of our life. Let us pray the Mass daily or as often as possible. Let us visit the Blessed Sacrament frequently. A life eucharistically centered is a life centered on the crucified and risen Christ.
Prayer: Father, teach me to pray and live the Mass.
Promise: "Realize that you were delivered from the futile way of life your fathers handed on to you, not by any diminishable sum of silver or gold, but by Christ's blood beyond all price: the blood of a spotless, unblemished Lamb chosen before the world's foundation and revealed for your sake in these last days." —1 Pt 1:18-20
Praise: Praise our risen, eucharistic Lord! Praise and worship Him constantly and forever!
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape on Loving the Mass on audio AV 54-3 or video V-54.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Giles H. Pater, November 15, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, November 16, 2001