The sacrifice of Jesus is at the heart of catholic faith and His love for us beyond measure. In my understanding, the Holy Mass is the most beautiful miracle that's happening around us - a celebration of the divine mysteries of the Holy Trinity. It's not only a remembrance but the true celebration and representation of Jesus’ sacrifice. A lot of people - even many Catholics - don’t fully grasp the miracle of transubstantiation that happens during the Holy Mass. St. John Vianney (who lived in France - 19th century) once said that if we truly understood what happens on the altar, we would die of joy and love. That mystery is so profound, it's beyond what most of us can comprehend.
Also, the Holy Mass is deeply rooted in the Last Supper when Jesus instituted the Eucharist, saying, “Do this in memory of me” (Luke 22:19). This command is not just to remember, but to actively participate in His offering - where bread and wine are transformed into His Body and Blood, a mystery central to Catholic belief. And this sacrament is a continual, living sacrifice that brings us into communion with Him. St. Paul teaches, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). This ‘proclamation’ is more than symbolic; it is an actual participation in His once-for-all sacrifice made present in a mystical way at every Mass.
Jesus Himself tells us the importance of the Eucharist when He says, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him” (John 6:56). To live “in Him” requires our deep communion with Him through this sacrament. As a Catholic, I believe that receiving the Eucharist is an invitation to transform our lives continually, in grace and in love, rather than assuming salvation is guaranteed.
There is a beautiful reflection from a saint, which resonates deeply. St. Padre Pio (lived in Italy in 19th Century, he was blessed with the stigmata) expressed how “the angels, although they enjoy the Beatific Vision, cannot receive Jesus in the Eucharistic species.” He saw the Mass as a miracle, one that we, though undeserving, are called to partake in. It is in the Mass that we encounter the heavenly mystery in a way unique to our humanity - drawing us closer to Christ in a deeply personal relationship.
Yes, Christ’s sacrifice “covers all sins of the world, past, present, and forever,” - this is true no doubt, yet we should also recognize our call to repentance, transformation, and participation in His grace continually. Jesus warned, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21-23). It isn’t enough to know of Him or to talk about Him; we must strive to live as He calls us.
Luke 13:25-27 – Jesus says: "When the owner of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, open to us,' then he will answer you, 'I do not know where you come from.' Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.' But he will say, 'I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!'"
• Matthew 25:11-12 - The Parable of the Ten Virgins
• Mark 7:6-7 - "He said to them, 'Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: “This people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men."
• Revelation 3:15-16 - "I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."
In the end, God is the ultimate judge, and it is by His MERCY that we are saved. I don’t want to come across as pushy about my Catholic faith, but I also don’t want my friends to misunderstand it. The transubstantiation of the Eucharist is a miraculous act of divine love of God, and a powerful symbol of Jesus’ self-giving love for the world. I don’t want anyone to miss out on it either. And I believe all these physical miracles are ways for the world to see his love for us. And yet the world take him for granted.
Trust and believe in his mercy, for nothing is impossible for the Almighty God. Daniel 2:21 says, "He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning."
May God bless and strengthen us in His love and truth.