Many of us probably could be identified as “long haul” Catholics and hopeful servants of God.

 

We’re in it for the duration, some of us slogging away at our individualized work of discipleship in the situations and places we inhabit. From pushing ourselves to get out of bed to the deep breathed attempts to pray for the rather catatonic person in the car ahead of us, we begin the day, hoping and praying we don’t go sideways or run away from God’s will for us.

 

I can testify that weekday Mass keeps me alive in that ongoing, everyday attempt to be a good and faithful servant like Jesus praises in His parable of the Talents (Mt 25:21, 23).

Obviously, not all parishes offer an early-enough Mass for those of us who work. Not everyone is physically able to make the trek to weekday Mass. But when it is possible, weekday Mass is a true treasure.

 

That’s not to say it is as entertaining as some other options like TV news may be. Weekday Masses tend to be focused on the Liturgy of the Word (the day’s readings and Gospel proclaimed), and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Some of them will have music, but often not. They may have a public rosary said before or after Mass, or another prayerful practice such as a group prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours. Not counting that, these Masses nearly always last 30 minutes, more or less.

 

So, what makes them so valuable?

 

First and foremost, of course, is the Eucharist. 

 

In Church history there were centuries where the reception of Communion was a rare thing most everywhere, and that sad situation remains true for some mission areas around the world today. Residents of most health care facilities may or may not be provided with Mass once a week, with only a select few facilities providing Mass each day. Persons who are homebound or in some type of health facility often must rely exclusively on Eucharistic ministers to bring them Communion, and that is nearly always, at best once a week.

 

For our generation to have daily Mass and reception of the Eucharist is amazing. Perhaps we are so blessed because in our culture today we need that extra contact with Jesus to protect us from all the illogic and stupidity, manipulation and plain-old evil that is present in our society today.

 

One 20-something guy serving in a position that had him attending daily Mass told me how he had been enjoying new insights and greater understanding about Jesus and the faith … and it finally dawned on him that it was mostly because of daily Mass and receiving the Eucharist. It is, indeed, an incredible gift.

 

Weekday Masses have other gifts as well.

 

They provide the daily readings, and Scripture always makes us think and grow and absorb more about how Jesus lived and worked and what He wants us to learn. Being disciplined about reading the Bible every day can be tough — but daily Mass gives us just that.

 

There is also a Godly rhythm to the liturgical year that is more easily seen and entered into when weekday Mass becomes a habit. It can be easy to more-or-less miss the season of Advent, but weekday Masses help that holy season come alive. They also help our Lenten penances and Easter joy. Even Ordinary Time is better appreciated.

 

We celebrate the saints of the day, particularly the “bigger” saints whose feasts and memorials are noted in some fashion at the day’s Mass. Often the homilies include some fun facts about the saints, and perhaps a lot of information and inspiration about their lives. Their feasts might otherwise go by and be missed by most of us.

 

Weekday Masses may be out of reach for some of us, but if it is a possibility, we only can gain from the blessings found there.