Mr. Bear Speaks

For this week’s segment of “Mr. Bear Speaks,” we asked our highly esteemed parishioner, Mr. Bear, why going to Mass is so important to him. 

A: Mr. Bear, why do you go to Mass?

B: Because I’m Catholic! 

My week goes much better with Mass in it. 

And it’s where Jesus is! 

In the Eucharist! 

As well as all of my lovely, smiling brothers and sisters in Christ!

A: Wouldn’t you rather sleep in on Sunday mornings instead? 

B: That’s why I go Saturday evening! Some people can’t make it to Mass on Sunday mornings because they’re working, or it’s hard for them to travel outside their house, and Jesus understands. 

If I didn’t have Saturday as an option, I would go Sunday. 

But I do have Saturday.

A: What’s your favorite part of Mass? 

B: Receiving Christ in the Eucharist of course! 

But it’s all marvelous. The homily helps me make sense of God’s word and my life. The sign of peace reminds me I’m part of the body of Christ. 

The prayers of petition teach me how to pray for my own needs and the needs of others at the same time, I don’t have to choose between love of self and love of neighbor because it’s all one package. Isn’t that awesome?

A: Why do you think others should go to Mass? 

B: Because it’s where Jesus is! As St. John Vianney said, “There is no better way to experience the good God than to find Him in the perfect sacrifice of the Mass.” 

Sometimes we can think that being Catholic is mainly about thinking things in our head and checking a box off on demographic surveys. But being Catholic is mainly about being united to God and the body of Christ in a physical, tangible way through the sacraments. Beliefs are important, but they flow from that physical encounter in the Eucharist, they don’t stand by themselves. 

A: Goodbye, Mr. Bear. See you at Mass!

B: Tally ho!