This episode of The Inner Life with Patrick Conley and Fr. Joseph Johnson is a beautiful exploration into why the Mass is the most important thing we do as Catholics. You can listen to the entire episode where Father walks through the different parts of the Mass. 

Patrick asks Fr. Joseph, “How did the Mass shape your vocation?”

Fr. Joseph shares that, growing up, it wasn’t theology class or Sunday school that hit him hardest;  it was watching his parish priests celebrate Mass with deep reverence and care. 

What’s Actually Happening at Mass?

Fr. Joseph pulls us right into the heart of it:

It’s Christ’s action.
The priest acts in persona Christi (in the person of Christ).

It’s not about “getting something out of it.”
We’ve all been there: “Mass was boring today… I didn’t feel anything.” Fr. Joseph says that’s flipping the script the wrong way. The Mass is an act of worship to God. The real question is: what are we bringing?

It’s the Paschal Mystery, made present.
No, we don’t “re-crucify” Jesus every Sunday. But in a mystical, beyond-time way, we are drawn into the once-for-all sacrifice of Calvary. Every Mass, you’re right there at the Cross... standing with Mary and John. ❤️

What Does Participation Really Mean?

Fr. Joseph references Vatican II reminding us that “active participation” doesn’t just mean singing loud or knowing when to kneel. The Latin points more to:

Engaged. Interior. Mystical participation.

We’re invited to offer ourselves with Christ to the Father. 
💬 “Here I am, Lord. Take all of me.”

The only sacrifice God really wants... Your heart. ❤️

Fr. Joseph explains:

-Christ offers Himself, totally.

-You, by Baptism, are part of His Mystical Body.

-So, when He offers Himself at Mass… He’s offering you.

Your job: Say yes. Consciously, fully, lovingly.

Mass is the source and summit of our lives.

⚡ You’re stepping into the heart of salvation history.
⚡ You’re invited to place your whole self on the altar.
⚡ You’re a part of the greatest act of love ever offered.

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

This episode of The Inner Life with Patrick Conley and Fr. Joseph Johnson is a beautiful exploration into why the Mass is the most important thing we do as Catholics. You can listen to the <a href="https://relevantradio.com/2025/07/the-sacrifice-of-the-mass-the-inner-life-july-15-2025/">entire episode</a> where Father walks through the different parts of the Mass.&nbsp;
<hr data-start="477" data-end="480">
Patrick asks Fr. Joseph,&nbsp;&ldquo;How did the Mass shape your vocation?&rdquo;
Fr. Joseph shares that, growing up, it wasn&rsquo;t theology class or Sunday school that hit him hardest;&nbsp; it was watching his parish priests celebrate Mass with deep reverence and care.&nbsp;
<hr data-start="1149" data-end="1152">
What&rsquo;s Actually Happening at Mass?
Fr. Joseph pulls us right into the heart of it:
It&rsquo;s Christ&rsquo;s action. The priest acts in persona Christi (in the person of Christ).
It&rsquo;s not about &ldquo;getting something out of it.&rdquo; We&rsquo;ve all been there: &ldquo;Mass was boring today&hellip; I didn&rsquo;t feel anything.&rdquo; Fr. Joseph says that&rsquo;s flipping the script the wrong way. The Mass is&nbsp;an act of worship to God. The real question is: what are we bringing?
It&rsquo;s the Paschal Mystery, made present. No, we don&rsquo;t &ldquo;re-crucify&rdquo; Jesus every Sunday. But in a mystical, beyond-time way, we are drawn into the once-for-all sacrifice of Calvary. Every Mass, you&rsquo;re right there at the Cross... standing with Mary and John. ❤️
<hr data-start="1988" data-end="1991">
What Does Participation Really Mean?
Fr. Joseph references Vatican II reminding us that &ldquo;active participation&rdquo; doesn&rsquo;t just mean singing loud or knowing when to kneel. The Latin points more to:
Engaged. Interior. Mystical participation.
We&rsquo;re invited to offer ourselves with Christ to the Father.&nbsp; 💬 &ldquo;Here I am, Lord. Take all of me.&rdquo;
<hr data-start="2443" data-end="2446">
The only sacrifice God really wants... Your heart. ❤️
Fr. Joseph explains:
-Christ offers Himself, totally.
-You, by Baptism, are part of His Mystical Body.
-So, when He offers Himself at Mass&hellip; He&rsquo;s offering you.
Your job: Say yes. Consciously, fully, lovingly.
<hr data-start="2883" data-end="2886">
Mass is&nbsp;the source and summit of our lives.
⚡&nbsp;You&rsquo;re stepping into the heart of salvation history. ⚡ You&rsquo;re invited to place your whole self on the altar. ⚡ You&rsquo;re a part of the greatest act of love ever offered.
<hr>
The&nbsp;best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out <a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

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