In reading Paragraph 10 of Pope Francis’s Apostolic Letter, I was reminded of the old saying that “familiarity breeds contempt.” I say this in the context that the more things or activities become familiar, the more likely it is that we will take them for granted. This is true in life, at work, in family relationships, in organizational activities, and in liturgical participation. I go to Mass every weekend; cantor, lector, and sing with the choir; try to take advantage of spiritual outreach programs offered by the parish, such as Christmas Novena, Stations of the Cross, etc. If I am being honest with myself, however, I have to admit that too often I am only going through the motions and not truly reflecting on what Pope Francis describes as the “powerful beauty of the liturgy.”

Pope Francis suggests in Paragraphs 10 and 11 that “Christian faith is either an encounter with [Jesus] alive, or it does not exist. The Liturgy guarantees for us the possibility of such an encounter. For us a vague memory of the Last Supper would do no good. We need to be present at that Supper, to be able to hear his voice, to eat his Body and to drink his Blood.” What a powerful message.

It is not enough for me to come to church; bless myself with holy water as a matter of routine and settle into a pew; and go through the motions of attending Mass and then going about my business. As Pope Francis points out in Paragraph 11: “In the Eucharist and in all the sacraments we are guaranteed the possibility of encountering the Lord Jesus and of having the power of his Paschal Mystery reach us.” We should not be mere spectators at Mass, but enthusiastic participants in the reenactment of the Last Supper.

Having read Pope Francis’s apostolic letter, and focusing on these two particular paragraphs, I now go to Mass with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and with a desire to be an active participant in the liturgy and not just an observer. What an eye-opener for me.