A Half Hour in Heaven

Mary Lou Rosien finds balance and perspective in stressful times by taking a half-hour each day to attend daily Mass.

The last few years have really worn me out. We have had so many life changes: we bought and sold a house, three kids got married, two kids had babies (both premature), one baby needed emergency surgery, health issues and … oh yeah… Covid!

I tend to be an upbeat and optimistic person, however, I felt depleted and exhausted. I was having trouble finding the energy to keep up with the ever-changing challenges of our new lifestyle, the world, and being a new grandma. I looked to the example of Jesus: how did He react when He was tired? He prayed and He withdrew a little. Perhaps this allowed him to gain perspective. How could I do that?

Covid really messed with my regular schedule. I have always found balance in going to daily Mass. I realized that life has returned to (somewhat) normal, and I could return to daily Mass.

It took some thought to make returning to daily Mass a reality in my life. I had to consider my daughter’s work schedule (we drive her to work), the available churches and Masses around us, and the ever-present challenges of the fact that I work in ministry. I’m going to speak a ministry truth: going to Mass at your own parish can feel like an extension of work. So I gave myself permission to attend a different parish several times a week for daily Mass. This gave me the opportunity of immersing myself in Mass and not feeling like I was at work. I honestly enjoy the anonymity.

woman praying alone in church

When I go to daily Mass, I recognize, for half an hour, I am in heaven! The dome of heaven drops down over the altar. The priest processes up to heaven and we are enveloped in the constant worship of the Divine. For that half an hour, the world does not touch me. I allow myself to withdraw from my earthly life and join Jesus in the glory of His heavenly kingdom. This may sound easy, but it has been challenged.

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It is a good practice for me to visit heaven for half an hour most mornings and withdraw, get perspective, let God run the world, and not try to control everything. #catholicmom

Years ago, one day during Mass, my phone rang (on silent) and I didn’t answer it. It turned out that my son had been in a life-threatening car accident. It is certainly a challenge to step back and let the world turn without me during that half hour, but what greater way to pray for all the things in my life, good and difficult. When I am someday (God willing) present in heaven and participate in the Beatific Vision, things like my son’s car accident will still happen, but I will know that God has a plan and I will have the confidence to embrace His plan. My son did survive.

It is a good practice for me to visit heaven for half an hour most mornings and withdraw, get perspective, let God run the world, and not try to control everything. I can praise and worship God, knowing that His Will is being done. God bless.