"We have all seen men, and women, too, pass the whole night, even several in succession, playing at chess or cards; and what can be a more dismal, unwholesome thing than that? But the world has not a word to say against it, and their friends are nowise troubled. But give up an hour to [...]
"So, then, this sacrament benefits recipients by way both of sacrament and of sacrifice, because it is offered for all who partake of it… But to others who do not receive it, it is beneficial by way of sacrifice, inasmuch as it is offered for their salvation… And our Lord expressed both ways, saying (Mat. [...]
"The life of faith is endangered when we lose the desire to share in the celebration of the Eucharist and its commemoration of the paschal victory." Source: Pope Benedict XVI, SACRAMENTUM CARITATIS (Sacrament of Charity), 2/22/2007
"It is in keeping with the very meaning of the Eucharist that the faithful, if they have the required dispositions, receive communion each time they participate in the Mass. As the Second Vatican Council says: 'That more perfect form of participation in the Mass whereby the faithful, after the priest's communion, receive the Lord's Body [...]
Before so great a sacrament, the faithful can only echo humbly and with ardent faith the words of the Centurion: ""Domine, non sum dignus ut intres sub tectum meum, sed tantum dic verbo, et sanabitur anima mea"" (""Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and [...]
"The Second Vatican Council recalled: 'Priests act especially in the person of Christ as ministers of holy things, especially in the Sacrifice of the Mass' (PO 13) and that without a priest there can be no Eucharistic sacrifice." Source: Pope St. John Paul II, General Audience, June 9, 1993
"The Mass is at the same time, and inseparably, the sacrificial memorial in which the sacrifice of the cross is perpetuated and the sacred banquet of communion with the Lord's body and blood. But the celebration of the Eucharistic sacrifice is wholly directed toward the intimate union of the faithful with Christ through communion. To [...]
"The act of adoration outside Mass prolongs and intensifies all that takes place during the liturgical celebration itself." Source: Pope Benedict XVI, SACRAMENTUM CARITATIS (Sacrament of Charity), 2/22/2007
"Oh, what awesome mysteries take place during Mass! A great mystery is accomplished in the Holy Mass. With what great devotion should we listen to and take part in this death of Jesus. One day we will know what God is doing for us in each Mass, and what sort of gift He is preparing [...]
"And meanwhile, for the most part, we come to church without reverence, without love of God, without knowing even what we have come to do. Some let their minds and hearts dwell on a thousand worldly matters. Others are there reluctantly and are bored. There are some who scarcely kneel whilst a God pours out [...]