Reinvigorate Your Family’s Love of the Mass This Summer

Colleen Mallette encourages families to increase their appreciation of the Mass by imagining themselves as the disciples on the road to Emmaus. 

In the midst of summer with vacations, landscaping projects, and picnics, it is easy to sleep in or overlook the commitment of going to church or be tempted to rush out right after Communion.

Yet we are called to slow down, especially while on vacation, and take the time to appreciate the glorious celebration of the Mass with our families as often as possible.

One way to appreciate and get more out of Mass is to put ourselves in the reading of the story of Emmaus (Luke 24), which is actually the first actual celebration of Mass recorded. After this event, it tells us in the book of Acts that “they met daily” to retell stories of Jesus’ life and break bread together like He did at the Last Supper in His memory as He requested.

The story takes place on Easter afternoon when two disciples headed home to Emmaus after celebrating the Passover in Jerusalem. It seems hard to believe they would leave with all the excitement around Jesus’ body not being in the tomb that morning, but they had no inkling that He would be appearing to anyone.

Liturgy of the Word

In their confusion while walking Jesus appears at their side, asks what they are talking about, then proceeds to explain the prophecies of the Old Testament and how He fulfilled them. This is the Liturgy of the Word: the first half of our Mass.

Next time you walk into church for Mass, imagine yourself as these disciples walking along the road, and Jesus walks in with you. He is glad you are there and He accompanies you as you bless yourself with holy water, walk up the aisle to find a seat, and kneel in reverence before the tabernacle to prepare your heart to worship Him.

As the readings and homily are proclaimed, imagine it is Jesus Himself telling you these stories and explaining their significance and meaning to you. The author of the Bible and fulfilment of man’s salvation knows every word and how they all fit together in the history of salvation of man. Listen intently to the priest or deacon’s reflection on the readings to hear what the Holy Spirit is trying to get through to your mind and heart.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Just as the disciples stopped in Emmaus and invited the stranger to be their guest for dinner, God invites us to join Him in preparing and consuming a meal together. As the gifts are brought up to the altar, think about what you can offer to this meal. Then let your guardian angel take your prayers, requests, and offerings and place them on the altar too.

As the bread and wine become transformed into the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord, watch and listen with your whole being as a participant in this most sacred moment of the Mass. We are not to just watch but actively worship along with the celebrant in joy and gratitude. As the priest proclaims, it is due to “his sacrifice and yours” that this Eucharist occurs.

The disciples witnessed in awe when Jesus broke bread like at the Last Supper; we too ought to be reverent and in awe each time we get to witness this miracle. We ought to walk up to receive Him with such adoration and devotion. When we return to our seats, instead of watching the rest of the congregation receiving communion, close your eyes in prayer and thanksgiving for having the opportunity and blessing of taking Jesus into your body and encourage your children to do the same. Thank Jesus for His sacrifice for your salvation and tell Him what else is on your heart.

Sending Forth

As the disciples suddenly realized it was Jesus they had been with, they immediately ran all the way back to Jerusalem to tell the others. “Their hearts were burning” with passionate love for their Savior and they couldn’t wait to share it with others. They had an urgency and desire that couldn’t be squelched and they acted on it right away.

When the Mass ends, we too are called to “go forth proclaiming the Good News” to anyone and everyone. We are meant to carry that fire of what we just received (God’s Word explained and Jesus’ own Body) out into the world with joy. With our hearts pounding, eyes opened and love flowing, share with others your amazement and appreciation.

By God’s grace, be transformed and enflamed with love and joy every time you attend Mass!

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Copyright 2026 Colleen Mallette
Images: Canva