This episode of The Inner Life with Patrick Conley and Fr. Joseph Johnson is a beautiful exploration into why the Mass is the most important thing we do as Catholics. You can listen to the entire episode where Father walks through the different parts of the Mass. 

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Patrick asks Fr. Joseph, “How did the Mass shape your vocation?”

Fr. Joseph shares that, growing up, it wasn’t theology class or Sunday school that hit him hardest;  it was watching his parish priests celebrate Mass with deep reverence and care. 

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What’s Actually Happening at Mass?

Fr. Joseph pulls us right into the heart of it:

It’s Christ’s action.
The priest acts in persona Christi (in the person of Christ).

It’s not about “getting something out of it.”
We’ve all been there: “Mass was boring today… I didn’t feel anything.” Fr. Joseph says that’s flipping the script the wrong way. The Mass is an act of worship to God. The real question is: what are we bringing?

It’s the Paschal Mystery, made present.
No, we don’t “re-crucify” Jesus every Sunday. But in a mystical, beyond-time way, we are drawn into the once-for-all sacrifice of Calvary. Every Mass, you’re right there at the Cross... standing with Mary and John. ❤️

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What Does Participation Really Mean?

Fr. Joseph references Vatican II reminding us that “active participation” doesn’t just mean singing loud or knowing when to kneel. The Latin points more to:

Engaged. Interior. Mystical participation.

We’re invited to offer ourselves with Christ to the Father. 
💬 “Here I am, Lord. Take all of me.”

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The only sacrifice God really wants... Your heart. ❤️

Fr. Joseph explains:

-Christ offers Himself, totally.

-You, by Baptism, are part of His Mystical Body.

-So, when He offers Himself at Mass… He’s offering you.

Your job: Say yes. Consciously, fully, lovingly.

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Mass is the source and summit of our lives.

⚡ You’re stepping into the heart of salvation history.
⚡ You’re invited to place your whole self on the altar.
⚡ You’re a part of the greatest act of love ever offered.

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