By the time Mass ends, most of us want to feel different on the inside but too many of us are not prepared to act different on the outside.

On a “good” Sunday, we say after Mass: “Ah! That was inspiring” like we just drank a tall glass of ice-cold lemonade on a hundred degree day! But note how the first reading describes God’s people: “For in secret, the holy children of the good were offering sacrifice and putting into effect with one accord the divine institution” (Wisdom 18:9). We gather at Mass to offer the greatest sacrifice of all ~ Jesus Christ self-offering to the Father in the Holy Eucharist. The challenge for us however is to put into effect this divine institution!

Abraham exhibits extraordinary trust in God. Jesus always invites his disciples to exhibit extraordinary generosity: “Sell your belongings and give alms.” The purpose for gathering on Sunday is not to be entertained, but to be changed. The point is not to just show up to get your blessing but to come forward to receive your marching orders!

For much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more” (Luke 12:48). When we allow ourselves to be truly infected and affected by the Gospel, the divine institution we call the Church truly resembles the living body that God intended it to be for a world that eagerly awaits the revelation of the children of God.