Do you rejoice in the house of the Lord?

On a recent trip, I found myself not only exploring a new city, but also with an opportunity to experience mass in a different way. I like most are quite comfortable with the ‘regular’ service that I attend each week. I am probably too comfortable in my weekly routine that I forget the purpose, my attention to my relationship with God.

Sunday, I found myself in a small church with a variety of people in attendance. It was clear to me that this small community was welcoming everyone inside, the regular Sunday folk plus the people passing through. I had a clear intention in mind, I was not just attending mass, I was going to experience the music.

I was not disappointed. It was labeled a ‘jazz mass’, I had no idea what to expect, and I was treated to beautiful hymns, an enthusiastic crowd, and a beat that I have never heard with the prayers. I could not help but sing along with the angelic voices, they weren’t just singing, they were praying with every part of their being.

If you attended mass this past weekend, the responsorial psalm proclaimed Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. There was rejoicing all around me at mass, I smiled the whole time. If I lived near that church, I would certainly be there every week- there was joy everywhere.

I can’t say that I feel that way every week. Sometimes getting to mass feels more like a chore than a ‘yay, it’s time for mass’. Yes, the music was inspiring and lively, the atmosphere conducive to prayer and praise, but if I can’t feel that in my soul, I am not in the right space to pray and worship.

Showing up even when you don’t feel like it is part of life for sure, but what if I flip the script and treat each time as a true meeting between me and my savior? What if I can rejoice each week when I walk into his house? Think about how happy we are to receive our friends and family into our homes. God must be just as happy to see us.

I did go into mass out of a sense of obligation on Sunday because I “should”. I walked out with a sense of joy and calm that led me to take a step towards repairing a relationship. Remembering the why in attending mass and finding that moment of joy is priceless.

Here is your challenge the next time you attend mass. Think about it like visiting your favorite relative who is always happy to see you. Strive to truly go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.