Attentiveness at Holy Mass

Divine Appeal Reflection - 238

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 238:  "Pray without ceasing, continuously follow attentively each word in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, receive me in Holy communion."

At every Holy Mass Angels gather in adoration, saints lean in with longing, and our Adorable Jesus offers Himself again to the Eternal Father for our salvation.The Holy Mass is the most sacred action that takes place on earth. In it, the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary is made mystically present (cf. CCC 1366), offered anew for the glory of the Father and the salvation of souls. Divine Appeal 238 is not a gentle reminder—it is a divine summons: to immerse the soul, undistracted and reverent, in every word spoken in this sacred mystery. The Mass is not ours to observe; it is Christ’s own prayer into which we are drawn. Each word is charged with grace; each gesture carries eternity. Attentiveness, then, is not optional—it is the proper response to divine love.

To follow every word attentively is to echo Mary’s posture at the foot of the Cross—present, silent, and utterly consumed by what unfolds before her. The Church teaches that in the liturgy, Christ is present in His Word, in the priest, in the Eucharist, and in the assembly (cf. CCC 1088). Therefore, to listen well is to receive Christ Himself. St. Alphonsus Liguori urged the faithful to unite themselves interiorly with the priest at every moment of the Mass—to follow every word, every prayer, every silence—as if they stood on Calvary itself. Distraction may come, but love calls us back. Our effort to listen is itself an offering.

The saints teach that attentiveness flows from preparation. One cannot give Christ full attention if the heart is scattered or the soul unready. St. Peter Julian Eymard, apostle of the Eucharist, insisted on recollection before Mass, spiritual reading, and interior stillness. The soul must hunger for every word of the liturgy, for it is Christ who speaks in every line of Scripture, every acclamation, every sacred prayer. When we forget this, the Mass becomes routine; but when we remember, it becomes fire. To follow attentively is to burn inwardly with longing for God. It is a form of prayer that says without words: “I believe. I adore. I am here for You.” To attend Mass as if it were our last is to hear it with the reverence of Heaven. Let every “Amen” be a personal surrender, every “Lord, have mercy” a real plea, every “This is My Body” a moment of awe.

Attentiveness is love made visible. It is a sacrifice of presence, especially when we are tired or burdened. But those moments, offered in love, become incense before the throne of God. St. Veronica Giuliani would weep during the Consecration, not from emotion alone, but from union—because every word pierced her with divine fire. We too are called into that flame. To follow attentively at Mass is to allow the Word to shape us, the Eucharist to transform us, and the sacrifice to become ours. Let us not watch from afar. Let us be drawn in—and never drift again.

Prayer

O our Adorable Jesus, make our hearts attentive to every sacred word of Your Holy Sacrifice. Cleanse us of distraction, still our minds, and draw us into the mystery unfolding on the altar. Let every phrase form us, every silence sanctify us, and every prayer lift us to the Eternal Father. Amen.

Sr. Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist, intercede for us.