Dan Steinberg from the Washington Post called me last Wednesday wanting to write the story on the Nats Mass. He said someone had mentioned our hashtag to him and he had been meaning to learn more about it for several weeks. He thought is was a positive story that folks would really enjoy hearing. He also said he wanted to let the story run on the Sunday of a Nats Mass. We're glad he did! There were several folks who made it yesterday because they read the article.
Nats Mass started in May with four of us—six if you count me and Jesus. Yesterday we had almost a hundred people there. But Nats Mass is not about the numbers. It's about sanctifying Sunday by participating in Mass. We're pretty good at remembering to relax and enjoy the downtime that the weekend affords. We love spending time with our family and we love the Nats. Nats Mass reminds us of the obligation we all have to thank God. Sundays are not just about down time, our families, or our favorite team. They're about remembering the new life we have thanks to Jesus' own death and resurrection to new life.
Hopefully those who join us for Nats Mass will leave with the sense that they've participated in something Holy—that they just shared in the act of worship which makes all things new. Nats Mass, and every Mass, is the chance for us to share the one sacrifice which brings us all home. It's our chance to show the Lord we remember what he did for us and thank him so much for it.
It's a thrill to see the red jerseys in the congregation. It's a joy to share a quick hotdog right after Mass. It's fun to be with fellow fans who are all praying for a win. But the most wonderful thing about Nats Mass is the communion we share through Jesus Christ, whom we honor above all things. This means that even if you can't join us for a Nats Mass, we can still be united in Christ.
Thanks for the likes, shares, comments and good wishes about the Steinberg article. What a boost it's given us in spreading the word about Nats Mass! Here's hoping it continues to help bring more people to Mass not just here but everywhere. That would be the victory that Jesus would really like.