Have you ever planned for a trip knowing exactly what you were going to do about Mass?
Do you ever plan for Mass when your traveling?
There are really few places that you might go that does not have a Catholic presence nearby.
At our local Parish, after Mass, before people are released, visitors are encouraged to stand up and let people know where they are coming from.
That has been getting a positive reception as people enjoy seeing where people are coming from. Since we are a military town, we get visitors from all over the world. What a great sign of our holy Catholic Faith.
2 Corinthians 8:16-19 states, "But thanks be to God who put the same concern for you into the heart of Titus, for he not only welcomed our appeal but, since he is very concerned, he has gone to you of his own accord. With him we have sent the brother who is praised in all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. And not only that, but he has also been appointed our traveling companion by the churches in the gracious work administered by us for the glory of the Lord himself and for the expression of our eagerness".
In the time of St. Paul, people traveled mostly in caravans because if was safer against wild animals, plus also there were robbers that would prowl about looking for opportunities. It was ordinary that people would travel in caravans riding camels, donkeys, sometimes horses.
What a contrast today as we have high powered automobiles, trains, and planes. Even so, the mission is still the same.
As St. Paul and the Apostles traveled to reach the nations for Christ, we still have this objective. It's great to have the opportunity we have to travel as your capabilities allow. Think about this, most people never left their surrounding areas.
Today, it is rare to find someone who has never adventured more than 200 miles from home. We do a lot of traveling for many things, sometimes business, sometimes family, sometimes for recreation. We are to take the gospel to all the nations and today, what a blessing it is that the Catholic Church has had the 2,000 year foundation.
The road was paved by the Saints who have gone before us. Their travels are marked with persecution, martyrdom, and victory.
At the beginning of Mass, I see the entrance procession of the Altar boys with the crucifix, the deacon, the priest transversing towards the the altar represents this journey that transcends time and space.
At the end of Mass, we are literally sent to go from the pews to go into the world, the highways and the byways to reach out to those we meet with what we ourselves received.
I encourage you to make the Mass the center of your life.
If you do, you will plan for Mass when you travel. By doing so, you will experience the richness of our Catholic Faith. The Church moves as one voice all over the world. No matter where you happen to be down the highway, the Church is there as one accord with those down the road.
At Mass, you are able to renew the Covenant with our Lord and this should be our goal.
If we miss Mass, we know there was nothing we could have done. After 26 years in the Army, there were times especially during deployments when Mass was impossible.
I still tried to unite myself with the Lord through His word.
As you plan for your journeys, may you and your families travel safely to reach your destinations.
May you have a great time with your families and friends.
Please don't forget to include your best friend of all!
Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. You will be blessed beyond measure.
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