40 Days of Grace (Day 6): How to Attend Mass More Meaningfully During Lent

March 11, 2025: The Eucharist—the source and summit of the Christian life (CCC 1324)—takes on a deeper significance during this penitential season. To truly benefit from the graces of the Mass, we are called to participate with intentionality, understanding, and theological depth.

Approach Mass as a participation in Christ’s Paschal Mystery

The Mass is not merely a ritual but a sacramental participation in Christ’s Paschal Mystery—His Passion, Death, and Resurrection (CCC 1362-1367). During Lent, this reality is emphasised as the Church calls the faithful to unite their sufferings with Christ.

As the priest proclaims in the Eucharistic Prayer: "Do this in memory of me" (Luke 22:19, Eucharistic Prayer II)—these words remind the faithful that every Mass is a re-presentation of Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary. Attending Mass with this awareness transforms passive observance into active participation.

How often do we truly recognise that each Mass is a real encounter with Christ’s sacrifice, rather than just a Sunday obligation?

Engage more deeply in the Penitential Rite

The Confiteor and Kyrie at the beginning of Mass call for an acknowledgment of sin and a plea for God’s mercy. Lent, as a season of repentance, emphasises this moment as a time for deep examination of conscience.

When the priest invites the congregation to reflect—“Let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries”—it is an opportunity to recall not only personal failings but also the ways sin disrupts communion with God and the Church.

Is there a genuine contrition for our sins when reciting these prayers, or do they become words spoken out of habit?

Listen to the Word of God as a call to conversion

The Lenten liturgies present Scripture as a living call to transformation. The readings are not distant historical events but divine messages meant to penetrate the heart.

As the priest proclaims, “The Word of the Lord.” “Thanks be to God.” the challenge is to listen attentively, asking: What is God revealing? Before the Gospel, the faithful respond, “Glory to you, O Lord,” tracing the Sign of the Cross on their forehead, lips, and heart—an action that signifies a desire for the Word to enlighten, be proclaimed, and dwell deeply within.

Does the message of the readings inspire true change in us, or does it remain unheard and unreflected upon?

Offer sacrifices on the altar alongside Christ’s

The Offertory is not merely a presentation of bread, wine, and monetary gifts but a moment of personal offering. St. Paul reminds the faithful: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God” (Romans 12:1).

As the priest prays over the gifts, saying: “Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the bread we offer you…” We can spiritually place our own sacrifices, struggles, and Lenten resolutions on the altar, uniting them with Christ’s sacrifice.

Are our personal sacrifices consciously surrendered to God, or is this moment overlooked?

Receive the Eucharist with greater awareness of its sacrificial nature

The Eucharist is both a meal and a sacrifice (CCC 1365-1372). Lent invites a deeper reflection on Christ’s words at the Last Supper—“This is my body, which is given for you” (Luke 22:19)—emphasising the gift of Christ’s Real Presence.

Before receiving Communion, the priest holds up the consecrated Host and declares: “Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.” The response, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed,” echoes the faith of the centurion in Matthew 8:8.

Does the reception of the Eucharist reflect a true awareness of Christ’s presence in us or has it become a routine action? Are we consciously conversing with Christ after communion or do we simply say a prayer out of habit? 

Remain in silent thanksgiving after Communion

After receiving Communion, we have a sacred opportunity to enter into silent thanksgiving. St. Teresa of Ávila encouraged, “After Communion, let us not lose so good an opportunity to treat with Him and lay our needs before Him.”

By Catholic Connect Reporter