Because of this, if we truly understood the wonder of the Eucharist, we would never miss Mass on those days when the Church asks us to be present. We go so many miles at so much inconvenience to attend a concert or a meeting or a theater presentation. And yet, the greatest of actors and singers and musicians who have ever lived are insignificant when we compare them to the living God. The moments of drama which can be portrayed on a stage are elements of lives which do not touch us directly. The drama of the cross which is re-presented and re-enacted in the drama of the Mass touches us to the core of our being because it is through this awesome sacrifice of Jesus that we are saved, that we have a chance at heaven and happiness, that we are given grace to live our lives in light. As we pray in the Mass of the Second Sunday of Ordinary time: "Father may we celebrate the Eucharist with reverence and love, for when we proclaim the death of the Lord you continue the work of His redemption who is Lord forever and ever."

All Praise and All Thanksgiving: A Pastoral Letter on the Eucharist
Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick

Reprinted from , a lay apostolate dedicated to renewing appreciation for the Mass as the greatest gift which God has given to His beloved spouse, the Church. Their mission is to show how, in the Eucharistic Liturgy, Jesus renews and transforms us–and the world–in His life and love.