“How Much Do You Love Me?”
Father Peter Fitzgibbons
August 2 – 3, 2025
Gospel: Luke 12: 13-21
In my years of priesthood, I have been asked some really interesting questions. One that comes to mind is: “Father, did your mother have any good-looking children?” My answer: “Just my twin brother.” Another interesting question I often get is: “Father, how often do I have to go to Mass?” Now, I do know the answer, but I need some additional information first before I can answer the question. First, do you know what the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is? Some people have received very poor instruction, both through the CCD and from the pulpit. You can go to some churches, and the service is like a badly done high school play with people running around doing all sorts of different things. You might have pleas for money or comments about political topics. There is so much stuff going on. But do you know what the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is? It is Good Friday, which is always before God. The Sacrifice of Christ is always in Heaven before the Father and brought to the altar.
When we come to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, we come to offer ourselves with Christ, which is a free act of love and a work of redemption. Offering ourselves with Christ is an act of love when united with His supreme act of love for the salvation of the world. That is what going to Mass is and why it is so wonderful, beautiful, and sublime. There is no difference between what I do here and what I did while I was overseas. It is the same Mass, the same wonder, and the same awe. So, the answer to the question about how often you need to come to Mass is that, technically and according to the Precepts of the Church, every Sunday and Holy Day. What are the Commandments and the precepts of the Church? They are guides and teach us how to love. They give us the minimum needed, and without them, we would screw it up.
Look at our first parents, Adam and Eve. They saw God, talked to God, and walked with God. They ate the apple and look what happened. They had one rule, and they messed it up. We also have some rules, and we mess them up too. The Commandments are the minimum we must do, but they prepare us to do other things. They keep us from sin. What is the first rule of medicine? Do no harm. The Commandments are guidelines that keep us away from sin, and they teach us to do no harm to ourselves and others.
“Father, why is the penalty for not going to Mass a mortal sin? Why is that so bad?” Look at what you have been invited to and to become a part of. Our Lord, Himself, calls each and every one of us to become a part of His Holy Sacrifice. Not going to Mass is a rejection of our Lord. In essence, you are saying: “Lord, I really appreciate the invitation. You are a really nice Guy, but I’m busy. I have a soccer game to go to. I have company, and I cannot offend them. I can offend You, but not my company”. So, the question, “Why is missing Mass so bad?” is always an interesting one.
You do not have to go to Mass. Coming to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is an act and work of love. Love cannot be compelled. Love is an act of free will without any fear, force, or coercion. Coming here is an act of love. “Father, how many times do I have to come to Mass?” Well, how much do you love Jesus? Love never asks, “How much do I have to do?” The only question love asks is, “How much can I do?”
How will you apply this message to your life? _______________________________________
You can read all of Father Fitzgibbons’ sermons by going to AnnunciationCatholicAlbemarle.com, clicking on “Blog,” then “Categories,” and then “Sermon Notes.” On a cell phone: click on “Blog” and then “Menu.” Scroll to the bottom and click on “Categories.” Sermon Notes are also available on the church’s Facebook page at OLA.Catholic.Church. Click on “Groups” and then “Sermon Notes
