So I went to daily mass last week

[megsdad]

This has been a memorable and special Lent for me. I made my first confession in about 30 years or so and have renewed my faith through daily prayer and occasional fasting. I have felt such a difference in my life, that I wanted to make a commitment to go to mass every weekday for a week during Lent to express thanks and devotion.

It was an amazing experience. By Thursday, I noticed that I was completely anxiety-free, stress-free, and was more patient with my family and coworkers. I’ve been just happier and nicer - is probably the easiest way to sum it up.

So, now I’m thinking maybe I should keep going, But, then I start all kinds of weird internal dialogues in my head about how I know I’ll never be able to make it every day, so maybe I should just “go when I can”, like a few times a week? But, that makes it sound like I’m only going when it’s convenient for me, which has to be bad.

And then I think, that if I keep going now I’d be going not to worship God but because I actually get something out of it (the anxiety reduction, etc). So, maybe I’ve cheapened it somehow?

And then there’s the whole notion that, I’ve gone from going to mass one or two Sundays a month to all of a sudden going everyday, My pastor must think I’m a nutcase. And worse, would God think I’m overcompensating or overdoing it now? That makes me feel totally unworthy to attend mass at all, daily or otherwise.

Or maybe I should just not think about any of these issues and just go?

 

[whatevergirl]

I don’t think we could ever overcompensate on going to mass…or being in the Lord’s presence. The pastor does not think you are a ‘nutcase,’ no way! Au contraire, he is probably delighted to see you there. Don’t worry about what others think, you are going to mass daily is a beautiful thing. Nothing to worry over. When you feel those thoughts creeping up, tell the devil to ‘get back!’ He’s the one who doesn’t want you going to mass so often.

God bless on your Lenten journey…I enjoyed reading your post here.

 

[baltobetsy]

Or maybe I should just not think about any of these issues and just go?

There you go - that’s the right thing to do. Just take it one day at a time. I’m very glad you’ve had such a good Lent!

Betsy

 

[scottywolf777]

:clapping:This is a wonderful thing keep it up. There was a period when I was younger I went to daily mass for quite awhile. Now because of age and travel and such it isn’t so easy but, I at least do the readings online or with the missal. Keep up the good work as long as you can. When I was going daily I went to confession because I made it everyday but, Sunday and the priest told me what I’m telling you now On judgement day, nobody will be saying Gee I wish I didn’t go to Mass so much or spend so much time with Jesus in the blessed sacrement in prayer. PS don’t stop after Easter since it’s a “lenten thing.”

 

[acadian]

I had a similar experience 4 years ago. It was the 2nd or 3rd week of Lent and I was still looking for something to do for Lent when it occured to me that I could probably make 6:30 am Mass and be on time for work (about 5 minutes away) at 7:05. I double-checked with my pastor about the length of daily Mass, and soon there I was!

It didn’t take me long, either to notice how much better the days went. In my case, my parish only has 6:30 Mass on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, and I quickly noticed how long it was from Monday until Thursday. So I was hooked long before Lent was over. Lent IS about making changes in your life, so it’s OK if some of the Lenten practices carry over after Lent - that’s kind of the idea.

For a few years, I went along with this 3 day a week schedule, thinking it was a good balance. And it probably was. My husband would have probably had a lot more difficulty if I was going every day.

This year I don’t have to be at work until 8:15, so on the days that my parish doesn’t have Mass, I can go to another parish at 7:30. Some days, I simply CAN’T go, and that makes me sad, but I can’t do what I can’t do.

Don’t worry about what the pastor thinks. Our pastor actually told the people last Friday that he was glad to see so many people at Mass and hoped that some decided to stick with it after Lent - if not every day at least once or twice a week.

And don’t think too much about if what you get from going negates what you give. Daily Mass is an awesome gift that we should be thankful for. We receive much there. But we do give, as well. If it helps you to be more patient and stress-free, then don’t you think you’re having an effect on the world? You’re not being selfish, you are bringing His light to the crazy world we live in.

Be open to what God is telling you. Allow Him to use you and work through you. Surrender.

 

[JohnPaul64]

I love going to mass as often as I can. I decided recently if I can I will go as often as possible. Nothing nutty about what your doing. Keep it up.

 

[scottywolf777]

Actually Pope Pius X of happy memory (at least for my grandparetns) opened the door up for people to go to daily Mass as often as they liked as long as they were in a state of grace. I figure the more often one goes the more grace one has in heaven. So why not ?

 

[dconklin]

Going to mass you celebrate the sacrament of the Eucharist. Every time we celebrate a sacrament we receive grace - which allows us to be closer to God. Nothing wrong with trying to be closer to God. Much better than making it a point to not go to mass and thusly stay further from God.

 

[megsdad]

Thank you for all of your thoughtful comments and encouragement. I went again this morning and feel great. While I still have these distracting thoughts, I agree with those of you that say they really dont matter. I feel moved to go and will keep going when I can.

God bless you all.

 

[Incomplete]

My pastor must think I’m a nutcase.

I had to laugh at that sentence. I’ve used those words myself.

On December 8 we had a big snowstorm coming. My husband and daughter couldn’t go to Mass until evening, but the storm was supposed to be here by then, so I went to Mass at noon.

The storm arrived but roads were driveable, and I wanted to go with my family, so I went again with them in the evening. The priest saw me, laughed, and said “Didn’t I see you earlier today?”

Since attending daily (I started Lent 2008) I have such cravings to learn everything I can that I show up at the various classes offered at our church. I’ve often said the priest must think I’m nuts.

 

[Cathryn]

I believe the conversations you have with yourself are normal. I have gone through much of that myself. Talking with yourself however can be anxiety producing. As you go to daily Mass and grow in your prayer life try to turn those conversations with yourself to conversations with God. Also try just silence with God. This is what I am learning.