My sister Katy was named for our aunt, Kathleen O'Brien, who was our mother's best friend and youngest sister. She never married, but she was devoted to my mother and her children. Since her death, Katy has annually hosted "The Grandma and Aunt Katie Haviland China Luncheon" to honor Aunt Katie, our mother, and grandmother. It is a highly anticipated event for me, my daughters, and Katy's friends. There are delectable salads and pastries, and lots of photos and mementos. Over the years, tales of other aunts and grandmothers have been added to the luncheon lore. The highlight of the afternoon is a quiz ( guesses encouraged ) which tests our recollections of these storied women.
Because they loved us and we love them, we honor the dearest women in our lives at the luncheon. This same ritualistic commemoration for the One who created and loves us, occurs at Mass. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is more than remembering though. It is in the Mass that our sins, the barrier to our relationship with God, are paid for by Jesus. He is the perfect sacrifice, surrendering His will, His physical body, to the Father's will with his death.
When we unite ourselves to that saving act of Jesus dying on the cross for us, we become present to and part of that sacrifice. We are restored in our bond to God. The transformation of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ by the priest, is the sign and the reality of that bond of divine life. We have entered into and are partaking of our own salvation! Put in the perspective of eternity, the Mass overwhelms us with the momentous reality of our lives, namely, Jesus giving His life so we can have a relationship with God that lasts forever.
That is why OKCR broadcasts the Mass celebrated at EWTN at 7 AM daily. On Sunday, you can hear and pray along with a local parish. St. Joseph's Church in Norman broadcasts Sunday Mass at 7 AM and at 11AM. This provides an option for those who cannot participate in person. Since the Mass is the central reality of Christian life, hearing the Mass as well as attending can only intensify our response in the Mystery of Faith: "When we eat this bread and drink this cup,we proclaim your death, O Lord, and profess your resurrection until you come again." ( Proclamation of Faith in the Eucharistic Prayer )