Work and Prayer: Daily Mass Homily--Tuesday, January 14th, 2014 (CSS students)

            Over Christmas break I had the chance to go to Ghana, Africa with our group of twenty-five people from my parish.  I wish to share two highlights from the trip.

            First, I was reminded of the universality of the Mass.  The same Mass we celebrate this evening is being prayed all around the world.  In the diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga, the Sunday liturgies were not passively attended or watched—they were an event.  The desire of the Second Vatican Council was fulfilled in having full, active, conscious participation, in their prayer, song, dance and clapping.

            We were blessed to have Mass everyday.  From a three and a half hour Mass, to a jubilant New Year’s eve celebration, to an outdoor countryside service, to a hotel patio and even in an airport.  The Mass was the same everywhere we went!

            My greatest God moment came when I was asked to preside at Mass in countryside outside of Garu.  Parts of the Mass were translated into two different languages (and I got two sets of applause!).  The Mass began our day of beginning construction on a small chapel that would mark the thirty-fifth outstation for one parish (covered by three priests).  This Mass was the first ever in this location and I pray the first of many.

            Second, our group was amazed at how a people with nothing materially had everything spiritually.  We came bringing gifts.  We brought seventeen suitcases full of toys, balls, school, church and medical supplies.  Through our fundraising efforts we raised $15,000 to go directly to the priests there and to fund three projects—a Marian Shrine, chapel and water purification process that would provide clean drinking water to an entire community.

            Yet what we received was far greater than what we gave.  Everywhere we went we were greeted with smiles, laughter and a time or two with song and dance.  While traveling we were given a goat, chicken and hen to eat.  We were given hope that true joy, generosity, happiness and family values are possible in our world if we turn off the noise and live for what matters most.

            We lived out a wonderful balance of work and prayer while in Ghana.  In so doing we were immersed in a joyful culture and saw what life could be like if we live for God, our Church and family daily. 

            We pray this evening for the men and women around the world who celebrate the same Mass in very different places.