Importance of Joining Online Holy Mass
Contributions: Catholic Bishops Commission for Catechetics
Translation: Suzanna Joseph
Ever since, the government has taken precautionary measures during Covid-19 lockdown. Catholic believers feel deprived of the joy of attending mass, which has been recouped with televised mass. So that the faithful along with their families can attend mass at home. Online mass requires serious preparation. It is often observed that while mass is being broadcasted online through Facebook, the faithful often ignore the respect and importance of attending Holy Mass. Sitting in a reclined manner or watching it as a recreational activity is unacceptable. Therefore, for the benefit of the believer we offer few suggestions. Be mindful that there is not an enormous difference between live-streamed Mass or a regular Church Mass. Even though we are not physically present one must be spiritually active. Hence the respect and devotion must remain the same. For this reason it is called a “Spiritual Mass”.
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Even though the believer wants to receive Christ’s body and blood but cannot obtain the Eucharistic Sacrament. In such a case a person can directly benefit from a televised mass which sustains “ocular communion” – receiving the sacrament by gazing at, rather than eating, the Eucharist. Therefore spiritually connected to the Sacrifice of the Mass during a time of social distancing. It is important to prepare ourselves. One must be appropriately dressed and keep proper sitting postures throughout the mass. We must give responses, for instance, when the Eucharistic Minister says ‘The Lord be with you’ you must respond ‘And also be with your Spirit.’ Carefully listen to the readings from the Sacred Scriptures. At the time for Consecration whether you are sitting or kneeling bow your head in response.
Our absolute presence in Holy Mass must be just the same as regular Church Mass. Difference is only that we cannot gain Christ’s body and blood through Holy Eucharist. Hence we pray “My Jesus I believe that you are present in the most Beloved Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot receive You Sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.”
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