12 March, 2025

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An Encounter with Christ: Spiritual Preparation for Mass

How prior attitude and disposition can transform our participation in the Eucharist

An Encounter with Christ: Spiritual Preparation for Mass

As an encounter with God, the Holy Mass is a moment of salvation and transformation. We often talk about the importance of attending, but there is always more to learn and reflect on how to prepare ourselves to fully live this sacrifice properly.

The Mass as Calvary and the Triumph of Christ

Before arriving at the temple, it is essential to remember that, by attending Mass, we are participating in a momentous event: our salvation. It is as if, by being present, we had been at Christ’s side at Calvary, recognizing that, through our sins, we too had a part in his sacrifice. However, we are also there to celebrate Christ’s victory over death, a triumph of eternal life.

Dress for the occasion

Our attire is an extension of our inner disposition. We do not go to Mass to stand out or to attract the attention of others. As the liturgy reminds us, the priest’s vestments are intended to divert the public’s gaze to the sole protagonist: Jesus. The priest is covered with a chasuble so that all attention is directed solely to Christ, the center of the celebration. Thus, our vestments must also be respectful and in keeping with the respect we owe to the Lord.

Punctuality is essential

In our daily lives, we are very punctual when we attend a movie, a theater or any other event, but many times we arrive late to Mass, as if we were not clear about what is really at stake. Punctuality at Mass is not only a matter of courtesy, but a sign of our willingness to live that moment of grace. It is a reminder that we cannot allow ourselves to miss a single instant of the encounter with God.

Fasting and inner preparation

Before entering the temple, fasting is an important recommendation, not only to purify our body, but also to prepare our mind and spirit. Although today the Church asks for only one hour of fasting, this practice invites us to be physically and spiritually prepared to receive the Body of Christ. In addition, it is essential that we do some inner reflection: how do we get to the temple? What are our concerns, our burdens, our desires for healing or gratitude? By presenting these questions to God, we are allowing Him to act in us.

The Mass and its fruit in our life

After Mass, it is vital to reflect on what we have experienced: What touched us the most? The Gospel, the homily, the singing of the psalm? This moment of reflection helps us identify the fruit of our participation in the Eucharist. Likewise, it is important to ask ourselves what purpose we have for the week that begins. How can we be better with God and with others? Through acts of charity, prayer and, above all, with a daily transformation towards good.

Transformation in Christ

The Mass is not only a moment of receiving, but of being transformed. Each time we participate, we can become more like Christ, fighting temptations and cultivating the virtues that bring us closer to Him. That is true transformation: the one that leads us to be a light for others, to live an authentic Christian life, and to do good in all that we can.

Preparation for Mass is not only external, but mainly internal. By recognizing the greatness of the moment and by disposing ourselves appropriately, we can truly experience the power of the Eucharist. May each Mass bring us closer to Christ, transform us, and impel us to live with more love and generosity. May God always bless us and guide us in our Christian life.

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P Angel Espinosa de los Monteros

El Padre Ángel Espinosa de los Monteros ha impartido más de 4,000 conferencias sobre matrimonio, valores familiares y espiritualidad en diferentes ciudades de México, Estados Unidos, Francia, Italia, España y Sudamérica. Ha atendido a cientos de matrimonios ofreciendo consejos y programas de crecimiento conyugal y familiar. Es autor del libro «El anillo es para siempre», traducido a diferentes lenguas y a partir de las cuales ha dictado más de 20 títulos de conferencias. Actualmente se dedica de tiempo completo a impartir conferencias y renovaciones matrimoniales en 20 países del mundo.