Why We Come To Jesus at the Mass: Insights from the Gospel of John’s “Multiplication of the Loaves”
Attending Mass is a tradition that has been passed down through generations. For many, it is a routine—a Sunday obligation, a family custom, or a moment to bring before God a specific prayer request. But beyond these familiar reasons, one must ask: why do we truly go to Mass?
For some, attending Mass is an act of compliance, motivated by the fear of losing material graces or falling short of religious duties. There are people who attend Mass not out of a deep-seated desire to worship or commune with God, but because they fear the repercussions of missing their Sunday obligation. This raises a crucial question: how many of us attend Mass for the pure joy of spending an hour with God? How many approach the altar, not out of compulsion, but with a sincere intention to listen to God’s word, engage with the priest’s homily, and receive the Eucharist with reverence?
The Mass is more than just a ritual; it is a true encounter with the Divine. Yet, how often do we reduce it to a transaction, where the focus is on what we can gain rather than on the immeasurable love of God. In the Gospel of John (6:24-35), Jesus addresses a crowd that sought Him, not because they understood His divine nature or His message, but because they were physically satisfied by the miracle of the loaves. This passage invites us to reflect on our own motivations: do we seek God for what He can give us, or do we seek Him because we love Him?
The Eucharist, the Bread of Life, is a gift of unimaginable grace. It is the key to eternal life, a mystery that transcends human understanding. However, if our focus is solely on what we receive, we risk missing the deeper significance of this sacrament. Jesus, in His infinite love, allowed Himself to be consumed by us—not because He needed to, but because He wanted to share His life with us. This act of self-offering is a testament to His boundless love and humility.
It is essential that we never lose sight of the awe and wonder that should accompany our reception of the Eucharist. The benefits we receive from this sacrament are immense to the reality that God, in His greatness, chose to become our spiritual nourishment. He who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving, lowered Himself to take the form of food for our sake. This act of divine love is the true reason we should attend Mass—not for what we can gain, but to honor and thank the God who loves us beyond measure.
We must now understand that our attendance at Mass should stem from a place of genuine love and gratitude. It should be an opportunity to reconnect with the Creator who, out of pure love, gave us the gift of His Son. Let us strive to approach Mass with hearts full of reverence, seeking not just the benefits of the sacrament, but the loving relationship with God that it represents. In doing so, we honor the true purpose of the Mass and draw closer to the divine mystery that is the source of our faith.
