When I got home after a day spent at the National Eucharistic Congress last week, it dawned on me this was the second time I had attended Mass in Indianapolis. The two experiences could not have been more different.
This past week, I was joined by at least 20,000 other Catholics celebrating joyously in the makeshift worship space of Lucas Oil Stadium. The giant arena was transformed into a fitting place to praise God.
The Mass was led by Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, backed by several dozen other bishops and archbishops. Below, more than a hundred priests were on hand to dispense the Eucharist throughout the stadium, while men and women religious and seminarians sat behind them. The entire thing was a sight unlike any other.
But as I reflected, I recalled the previous time I worshiped in the Capital City. It was almost three years earlier, in the tiny non-denominational chapel at Methodist Hospital. Upstairs, my wonderful mother-in-law was living her final days, and I joined the sacristan as the sole parishioners taking part in the daily Mass that day.
Yet, whether surrounded by thousands of celebratory Catholics, or painfully praying for the soul of my beloved family member, in both places Jesus was present. In the Eucharist. As He is every time Mass is said, all over the world.
It is a comforting thought, and one that reminds us of the blessing available to us each and every day in our Church.
52 Masses 