What Joy Is There in Being Regularly Late for Mass?

“Could you not watch one hour with me?” – Matthew 26:40

Mass begins. The choir sings the entrance hymn. The priest processes reverently to the altar. 

The Sign of the Cross opens our sacred encounter with heaven... and… we're not there yet.

Maybe we’re rushing up the path, breathless and distracted. Maybe we’re just leaving home, thinking, “I’ll miss the beginning, but at least I’ll make it for Communion.” Maybe it’s become a habit. A harmless little habit - so we think.

But what joy is there in being regularly late for Mass?

No Ordinary Gathering

Let’s remind ourselves what we’re walking into when we attend Mass. 

It’s not a club meeting or a lecture. It is the Holy Sacrifice. Christ offers Himself, through the hands of the priest, for the forgiveness of sins and the life of the world. Heaven breaks through. Angels surround the altar. The veil between this life and eternity is lifted.

And we are invited - not merely to observe, but to participate.

To be late is to step in halfway through a miracle!

Yes, sometimes things happen. Children are sick. Traffic is unexpected. Alarm clocks fail. God understands all of that. But being habitually, comfortably, casually late? That’s a symptom of a deeper problem - one of lukewarmness, distraction, or a misaligned heart.

Let’s be honest: many of us make far greater efforts to be on time for films, trains, or restaurant bookings than we do for the Holy Eucharist. And that’s a scandal.

He Died a Horrific Death - For Us!

Think of Christ on the Cross.

His body shredded by scourging. His head crowned with thorns, each point piercing His flesh. Nails driven through His wrists and feet. His back grinding against the splinters of wood. Blood running into His eyes. Breathing, barely possible. Mocked. Stripped. Humiliated. Dying.

And He saw us. He knew our name. He did it for our souls.

And yet, we can’t even be bothered to turn up on time...

The opening rites of the Mass are not optional. They prepare our hearts to meet God. 

The Penitential Act cleanses us of venial sin. 

The readings speak God’s living Word. When we arrive late, we don’t just miss a few words - we miss the invitation to enter into the mystery with a properly disposed soul.

It’s not just poor timekeeping - it’s a spiritual loss.

The Quiet Joy of Reverence

What if, just once, we arrived ten minutes early?

What if we knelt in the pew, closed our eyes, and said nothing?

What if you offered our week - our struggles, sins, hopes, and hurts - to God before the liturgy even began?

What if we came ready?

We would notice a difference. A stillness would descend. The words of the liturgy would come alive. The presence of Christ in the Eucharist would move you more deeply. Joy would blossom in our souls - not the loud, shallow joy of worldly excitement, but the deep joy of knowing we are where you should be.

Because joy is not found in rushing, or just-in-time-ness.

Joy is found in honouring God with our time, our attention, and our hearts.

Devotional Reflection

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” – Matthew 6:21

What do our habits say about our hearts? 

Do we rush into Mass as if it’s something to “get through”, or do we approach as if we were entering a holy place - a thin space between time and eternity?

God has given us everything... and yet we sometimes give Him the crumbs of our schedules.

Today, let's reflect on whether our pattern of lateness is truly unavoidable - or has it become acceptable to us?

Imagine how we would prepare if Christ Himself were standing at the church door waiting to welcome us. How would we dress? How early would we arrive? How much would we look forward to it?

The truth is: He is there. Waiting. Longing.

Let us never keep Him waiting again.

A Short Prayer

Lord Jesus,

You gave Your very life for me, enduring suffering and shame beyond measure.

And yet I admit, I have so often rushed to Mass without reverence, arriving late, distracted, and unready.

Forgive me, Lord.

Stir in me a deeper love, a greater awe, and a burning desire to honour You with my time.

Help me to prepare with joy, to arrive with peace, and to worship with all my heart.

Teach me the value of those opening moments at the altar - 

For they are not small. They are holy.

Amen.

A Guided Meditation – “The Quiet Before the Liturgy”

Find a still place. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Now imagine…

You walk into the church ten minutes before Mass begins. The air is still. A few people are praying silently. The red sanctuary lamp flickers beside the tabernacle.

You kneel and rest your hands on the pew. You say nothing.

Slowly, you become aware of God’s presence. You recall the week - the sins, the blessings, the burdens. You offer them all to Him.

A bell rings faintly in the sacristy. The choir hums a gentle note. You feel a stir in your heart - He is coming.

This is your moment to meet Him.

You didn’t rush. You didn’t stumble in late. You were ready.

And in that readiness, there is peace.

You hear Him whisper in your heart:

“I have been waiting for you. Thank you for being here.”

A Poem – “The Bells Had Rung Before I Came”

The bells had rung before I came,

The choir sang out His holy Name.

The Gospel passed, the Creed was prayed,

While I, in worldly thinking, stayed.

The Lord of glory bled and died,

Nailed to a Cross, arms open wide - 

And still I slouched and hit the snooze,

Forgetting what I stand to lose.

For every Mass a Calvary is,

A throne of mercy, pain, and bliss.

The angels kneel, the saints draw near - 

Yet I stroll in, unready, unclear.

But no more shall I treat with scorn

The Mass for which my Lord was torn.

I’ll rise with joy, I’ll run ahead - 

For Mass is where the living are fed.

The bells now ring - a different sound - 

For I am there, on hallowed ground.

And when He comes, I’ll meet His gaze - 

Prepared, in awe, and full of praise.

Practical Steps to Arrive on Time (Or Early!)

If you’re serious about breaking the habit of lateness, try these:

1. Set two alarms on Saturday night – one for waking, one as a "leave now" reminder.

2. Lay out your clothes, keys, and shoes the night before.

3. Aim to be at the church 15 minutes before Mass begins.

4. Use a paper or digital calendar to block out “Mass prep” time.

5. Offer up your effort as a spiritual gift - for the souls in Purgatory, or for someone who can’t attend Mass.

Your Example Matters

Remember: our habits are a witness. Our children, our spouse, our fellow parishioners - they see us. 

If we constantly arrive late, we unintentionally send the message: “Mass isn’t that important.” But if we’re there early, prayerful, and prepared, you proclaim something very different: “This matters. Jesus matters.”

We never know who we might inspire simply by being early and present.

************

Be Early. Be Ready. Be Blessed.

So, what joy is there in being regularly late for Mass?

None.

There is no joy in scrambling in at the Gospel. No peace in missing the start of the sacred mystery. No honour in treating the Lord of Heaven and Earth like an afterthought.

But there is great joy in arriving early.

There is joy in the stillness. 

Joy in readiness. 

Joy in reverence.

There is immeasurable joy in the heart of Christ when He sees you there, waiting for Him - on time, or even early, ready to worship, ready to love.

******

Come Visit Us

If you’re looking for a place to rekindle your love for the Mass, or to simply sit in the quiet before the Lord - 

You are warmly invited to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in New Milton.

Come early. Be still. He is waiting for you.

************

Visit Our Parish Website
ourladyoflourdes.co.uk
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, New Milton

Don’t forget: our regular blog posts continue here at
the247catholic.blogspot.com

Let's let's prayerful,
let's stay faithful, and let's stay Catholic
– 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

It's Still Only July and TK Maxx is Already Stocking Halloween Products on Its Shelves! How Sad.

It’s the middle of July. The summer holidays haven’t yet begun for many families. Schoolchildren are still trudging through their final weeks of the term. 

The sun, though temperamental in Britain, is (at least occasionally) shining. And yet, in a corner of TK Maxx - among the discounted homeware and fashion bargains - sits an eerie and unwelcome sight: Halloween products. Pumpkins, skulls, witches’ hats, and cobwebbed ornaments fill the shelves like a swarm of locusts invading a peaceful land.

Isn’t it sad? Not just strange, not just out of place - but genuinely sad.

Crystals... Planets... New Age? No. God's Intelligent Design

In a world increasingly drawn to New Age spirituality, there has been a marked fascination with crystals, planetary alignments, and mystical forces. 

While many people see beauty and wonder in these things, some are tempted to attribute their origin and power to vague cosmic energies or impersonal universes. 

For Catholics, these marvels are not sources of power in and of themselves. They are signposts - indicators of something far greater: the intelligent design of Almighty God.

Let’s set aside the incense burners and astrology charts for a moment. Instead, let’s look at the very same elements that enthral New Age followers - crystals, planets, patterns in nature - and marvel not at the creation, but at the Creator. 

As St Paul wrote, “Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made” (Romans 1:20, RSV-CE).

Come Home to the Catholic Church – The Door Is Still Open

Have you been away from the Church for a while?

Maybe it's been months. Maybe years. Maybe decades.

Or maybe… you never really left - you just sort of drifted.

 You still believe in God (you think). You still consider yourself Catholic (more or less). You still light a candle now and again, perhaps whisper a prayer in the car. But something has held you back from stepping back through those doors - the ones of the church building, yes, but also of your faith life.

So this blog post is for you. Whether you feel lost, lapsed, unsure, afraid, or simply out of the habit… this is your gentle reminder:

The door is still open.

The Church is still here.

Christ is still waiting for you - with love, not judgement.

The Church Isn't a Club for the Perfect - It's a Home for the Wounded

A 10-Day Journey Through the Psalms to Lift Your Heart

"Be Still And know That I Am God"
(Psalm 46:10)
A 10-Day Journey Through the Psalms
to Lift Your Heart
(Plus FREE GIFT)

Prayer For The Continued Recovery Of Father Bill - (With the Intercession of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux)

O Lord, our Shepherd, strong and true,
In Your great love, we lift to You
Our Father Bill, Your servant dear,
Whose faith and heart bring us so near.

Restore his strength, renew his grace,
Surround him with Your warm embrace.
In every trial, may he find
Your healing peace, so sweet, so kind.

Saint Thérèse, with your gentle way,
“Little Flower,” hear our prayer today.
By your trust in God above,
Send to Father Bill your tender love.

Guide him through each weary night,
Fill his soul with holy light.
With your roses, grace impart,
And heal his body, mind, and heart.

Grant wisdom to those who care,
And lighten burdens he must bear.
May Mary’s mantle, pure and mild,
Protect our cherished priest and child.

Through Jesus Christ, our Lord and King,
Whose resurrection life does bring,
We pray for health, for hope, for peace,
That Father Bill’s pains may soon cease.

Amen.

The 24/7 Catholic Monthly - 1st July 2025 - Offering Each Day to the Precious Blood

Welcome to the first post in a new monthly series: The 24/7 Catholic Monthly.

Each month, we journey deeper into the Catholic year, following the Church’s devotional themes, feasts, and fasts, drawing strength from Scripture, the lives of the saints, and the liturgical calendar. 

These posts will include poetry, devotions, catechesis, a meditation, a challenging quiz, and a heartfelt invitation to live as a Catholic not just on Sundays - but every moment of every day.

To begin our journey, we turn to July: the month devoted to the Precious Blood of Jesus.

🌟 Coming Soon: The 24/7 Catholic Monthly

New Series Launches 1 July: The Blood That Saves Us

(And yes – regular blog posts will carry on as normal!)

There’s something new on the horizon - something designed to strengthen our spiritual life and help us live our Catholic faith more fully throughout the year.

A Prayer for Father Bill – For Strength and Healing

O Christ, divine and full of grace,

Shine healing light upon his face.

With faithful heart and open hands,

Father Bill before You stands.

He serves Your flock with daily care,

He lifts our lives in silent prayer.

He speaks Your Word, he gives Your bread,

He walks the path where You have led.

Now in this time of needed rest,

We ask You, Lord, to heal and bless.

Bring peace to mind, bring strength anew,

Let every grace flow down from You.

Our Lady stays close by his side,

A mother’s love she does not hide.

Saint Joseph stands with steadfast peace,

And angel guards shall never cease.

O Jesus, Priest and Saviour true,

Who makes all things forever new,

Pour mercy deep and gently fill

The soul and frame of Father Bill.

Amen.

An Imaginary Look at How Jesus Would Have Appeared to Friends and Colleagues While He Was Growing Up, Working, and Preparing for His Ministry

The Incarnation of Christ is one of the greatest mysteries of the Christian faith. 

That God Himself became man, walked among us, and experienced the ordinary rhythms of human life is both astounding and deeply moving.

Yet, while the Gospels give us glimpses into Jesus’ public ministry, they tell us very little about His hidden years - those decades in Nazareth before He began preaching.

What was Jesus like as a child, as a young man, and as a tradesman? How did He appear to those who knew Him - His neighbours, friends, and colleagues? 

In this imaginative reflection, a follow-up post to "The Human Side Of Jesus" we will consider what it might have been like to encounter Jesus in everyday life before He stepped onto the stage of history as the Messiah.

As the Imam, Priest, and Rabbi Prayed For Peace - A Poem

As the Imam, Priest, and Rabbi
Prayed For Peace - A Poem

Corpus Christi Sunday – A Celebration of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

On Sunday 22nd June 2025, Catholics across the world will celebrate Corpus Christi Sunday - a Solemnity that stands at the very heart of our Catholic faith. 

The name, Corpus Christi, is Latin for The Body of Christ, and it is a day on which the Church joyfully affirms the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist: body, blood, soul and divinity.

This feast is not merely a reminder - it is a proclamation. A proclamation that Jesus, who gave Himself to us on the Cross, continues to give Himself to us in the Holy Eucharist. And this year, as we reflect upon the mystery and majesty of this truth on 22nd June, we are invited to enter more deeply into the Eucharistic heart of our Catholic life.

Prayer for a Family and Friends Grieving a Loved One’s Illness

The Human Side Of Jesus

In the narrative of Jesus Christ’s life, it is easy to focus solely on his divinity, his miracles, and his teachings. 

However, a deeper exploration of his earthly experiences reveals that Jesus intimately knew the human condition, including its most challenging aspects. 

Recognising that Jesus was a refugee, experienced despair, knew hunger, and more, allows us to connect with him on a profoundly human level. 

This understanding can deepen our faith and inspire us to respond to the needs of those who face similar trials today.

The Tabernacle Key

A Catholic Response to the Outbreak of Conflict Between Israel and Iran – Pray for Peace

“Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called sons of God.”
– Matthew 5:9 (RSV-CE)

A Personal Prayer For A Very Good Friend

The Good Samaritan - Points Easily Missed In This Famous Parable

The Parable of the Good Samaritan, found in the Gospel of Luke (10:25-37), is one of the most well-known and beloved stories in the Christian tradition. 

Its message of compassion and neighbourly love transcends religious boundaries and speaks to the universal call for human kindness. 

However, despite its widespread familiarity, there are several nuances and deeper meanings that are often overlooked. Let us delve into some of the easily missed points in this famous parable, shedding light on the richness of its lessons.

The Lord's My Shepherd... 22nd Psalm or 23rd Psalm?

The Psalms are a collection of ancient hymns and prayers that hold a cherished place in both Jewish and Christian worship. 

For Catholics, the Psalms are more than just sacred poetry; they are an essential part of the liturgy and personal devotion. 

Among these 150 songs, one stands out as particularly beloved and widely known: the Psalm that begins, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." 

This Psalm has provided comfort, guidance, and hope to countless people over the centuries. However, there is often confusion regarding whether this is the 22nd or the 23rd Psalm. 

Why does this discrepancy exist, and which is the correct number for Catholics? 

Let’s explore the history, reasons, and implications of this difference in Psalm numbering.

Why Do Some Congregations Rattle Off Prayers and Responses Quickly and Parrot-Fashion During Mass?

Attend Mass in any number of parishes across the country - or indeed around the world - and you’ll notice a peculiar phenomenon: some congregations respond to the prayers of the Mass in a quick, mechanical, almost breathless fashion, as though racing through a checklist. 

The Creed becomes a blur, the “Lord, I am not worthy…” is over before it’s begun, and the “Amen” is often uttered before the priest has finished the blessing.

Why does this happen? How did something so sacred, solemn, and rooted in divine encounter become, in places, so rushed and robotic? And more importantly, what can we do to rekindle reverence in our responses during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass?

Let’s explore the roots of this issue - and what it tells us about our modern Catholic culture.

I Was That Centurion Whose Servant Was Healed - A Poem

I Was That Centurion
Whose Servant Was Healed
- A Poem

Are We Ready To Live The Life Of A Catholic Saint?

Living the life of a Catholic saint is a profound and inspiring journey that requires dedication, faith, and a commitment to living a life of holiness.

Throughout history, Catholic saints have been revered for their exemplary lives, unwavering faith, and selfless devotion to God and others.

Their stories serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for those seeking to deepen their spiritual life and grow closer to God.

A Tabletop Sale for the Soul: Spring Cleaning and the Grace of Confession

Spring cleaning is an annual ritual in many households. The longer days and brighter light reveal the clutter we’ve accumulated over the darker months - sometimes even over years. 

The loft groans with forgotten trinkets, wardrobes bulge with clothes we haven’t worn in ages, and the garden shed harbours rusting tools and mystery boxes.

Eventually, something snaps. We resolve to have a proper clear-out. 

We sort, we scrub, and we start to breathe again. 

What doesn’t belong, we bag up and donate to the parish tabletop sale. 

What was once hidden and dusty is now revealed and repurposed. 

Something old is given a new chance - or binned to make room for something better.

There’s a reason this process feels so good.

It mirrors, in a small way, the spiritual clearing-out we’re called to as Christians. And no sacrament brings that truth into sharper focus than the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

“Come now, let us reason together…” (Isaiah 1:18)

Our New Pope – Pope Leo XIV: A Fresh Chapter for our Holy Catholic Church

On 8th May 2025, the Catholic Church marked a momentous occasion with the election of Pope Leo XIV — the first American to ever become pope. His appointment came after the passing of Pope Francis, and it was clear from the very beginning that Pope Leo XIV’s election signals a new chapter in the history of the Church, both in terms of leadership and direction.

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost on 14th September 1955 in Chicago, brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep sense of commitment to the Church. A member of the Augustinian Order, he has spent decades in service both in missionary work and in leadership roles within the Church. His journey from a young seminarian to the papacy is inspiring, and his papacy promises to reflect his unique experiences, passion for the Gospel, and strong sense of social justice. 

Let’s see who Pope Leo XIV is, what he stands for, and what we can expect from him as the shepherd of our Holy Catholic Church.

The Significance of the Charcoal Fire on Which Jesus Cooked for His Disciples

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is filled with profound moments that reveal His love, mercy, and the fulfilment of God’s plan. 

One such moment occurs in John 21:9, where Jesus, after His resurrection, appears to His disciples by the Sea of Galilee and cooks breakfast for them:

"When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread" (John 21:9, RSV-CE).

This seemingly simple detail - the charcoal fire - holds deep theological significance. It is a moment of reconciliation, renewal, and restoration, especially in relation to St. Peter. By examining the role of the charcoal fire in Scripture and its symbolic meaning, we uncover a powerful lesson about sin, forgiveness, and the transforming power of Christ’s love.

The First Job Vacancy In The World? Well According To Genesis It Was...

When you think of the world’s very first job, you might imagine a shepherd, a hunter, a builder - or perhaps even a prophet. But Scripture tells us that the first role assigned to humanity was none of these. 

Instead, it was gardening.

Yes, gardening!  

In the second chapter of Genesis, shortly after the creation of man, God assigns Adam his first responsibility. “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15, RSV-CE). 

There it is - the first job description in the history of the world: to care for creation. 

It’s a calling that echoes down through the ages, and one that still holds spiritual significance for us today.

Need Some Fresh Air? Why Not Go For A Prayer Walk?

Feeling cooped up, stressed, or disconnected? Craving a moment of peace and introspection? There's a simple solution that combines physical activity with spiritual nourishment: a prayer walk. 

This unique practice takes prayer beyond the stillness of a room, blending it with the rhythm of your steps and the beauty of nature. 

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or curious newcomer, this guide will open the path to a refreshing and transformative experience.

Simon of Cyrene Doesn't Just Feature In The Bible When He Helped Our Lord Carry The Cross

When we hear the name Simon of Cyrene, most of us immediately picture the scene from the Passion of Christ, where the Roman soldiers force him to carry the Cross for Jesus on the way to Calvary. 

This moment is powerfully etched into Christian tradition, appearing in all three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21, and Luke 23:26). 

But who was Simon of Cyrene beyond that singular, dramatic encounter? What became of him after that fateful day, and does he play a larger role in the Christian faith than is often recognised? 

The answer is yes, and his story invites us to reflect deeply on discipleship, suffering, and the hidden ways in which God calls us to Himself.

Meditation on the Death of Pope Francis

 “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your master.” (Matthew 25:21)

Today, the Church mourns the passing of Pope Francis, a humble servant of God who lived a life marked by selfless love, a deep commitment to the poor, and a fierce dedication to proclaiming the Gospel of Christ. 

His death marks the end of a papacy that transformed the hearts of millions and left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church. 

As we reflect on his life and death, we turn to the words of Sacred Scripture for comfort, remembering that he now enters into the eternal joy promised to all who faithfully follow Christ.

He Is Risen Today - Now I Know What He Meant!

 He Is Risen Today - Now I Know What He Meant!

I Was Petronius, One of the Soldiers on Guard Last Night

I Was Petronius,

One of the Soldiers on Guard Last Night

April 20, 2025 – Easter Sunday: The Resurrection of the Lord

April 20, 2025 – Easter Sunday:
The Resurrection of the Lord

My Lord’s Love and My Sins...

My Lord’s love is always with me. His love is with me every second of my life.

My Lord’s love has always been there for me.

My Lord’s love was already there for me before the beginning of time when He knew me and what my life would become (Jeremiah 1:5).

My Lord’s love was there for me at the moment of creation (Genesis 1:27).

My Lord’s love was there for me at the moment of my birth (Psalm 139:13–14).

My Lord’s love was there for me at my baptism—His grace and sacrifice washing away the stain of original sin with which I was born (Acts 22:16, 1 Peter 3:21).

My Lord’s love was there for me throughout my childhood, protecting me and guiding me to the age I am now (Psalm91:11).

My Lord’s love was there for me when I was ill - encouraging me and healing me (James 5:14–15).

My Lord’s love was there for me in my moments of joy—reminding me that all love and joy come from Him (John 15:11).

My Lord’s love was there for me in the difficult times of my life - supporting me and carrying me through the dark tunnel into the light (Psalm 23:4).

My Lord’s love has always been there for me.

I confess now to you, my brothers and sisters, that my love has not always been there, is not always there, and will not always be there for Him (Romans 7:15).

I Was There Yesterday, But I Was Afraid to Speak Up for Him

 I Was There Yesterday,
But I Was Afraid to Speak Up for Him - Poem