What is the meaning of the Mass in my daily life?

How does the Mass strengthen me to accept the challenges and give thanks for the gifts that God places in my life?

How do I transmit to others the joy of my personal encounter with Jesus Christ in the Mass?

Remain with Us, Lord  is an inspirational collection of personal stories and theological reflections on the importance of the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass in our spiritual lives as Christians and the peace and happiness we draw from it to live our lives close to Jesus Christ and to bring him to others.

In Remain with Us, Lord, Bishop Robert Barron, renowned theologian and author, explains:

The Holy Mass “…is not an extraneous part of the spiritual life. It’s the heart of it. […] The Mass is remaining with Jesus, listening to him, responding to him, receiving this great meal which God has always wanted to give to us and then speaking back our thanksgiving for it. That’s the Mass and that’s why we live on the Mass. We require the Mass.”

Filmed in the United States and Ireland, the testimonies and reflections brought together in this special video will touch hearts and encourage reflection on the importance and meaning of the Mass in our own lives.

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At each celebration of the Mass, you experience a real and transforming encounter with Jesus Christ, the Son of God in your life. There is a moment when every Mass ever attended seems as one, from the beginning of its institution and from everywhere around the world, and there is a continuity—a direct experienced connection. The words, the gestures, and the music blend into a passionate reality of God’s love for us.

The Mass is the source and summit of the Christian life where people celebrate their joys, share their grief, vividly remember past hopes, and pray for the present and future.

The Mass is the means to an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. The Mass transforms us into new beings that can transform the world into a place where we can live better, a place where peace and joy reign through the hope of the Resurrection.

In Remain with Us, Lord, we hear from Catholic theologians who explain the doctrinal meaning of the Mass, and from over twenty priests, individuals, and families who attend Mass and answer the central question of what it means to them and how it affects their ordinary and spiritual lives:

• A young married couple shares how attending Mass together on their first date became the center of their relationship and set them on the path to marriage and family.
• A father and daughter share how they find the strength to accept and deal with personal and family challenges caused by an aneurism their wife and mother recently suffered.
• A successful business owner loses everything during the recent recession but is undaunted as he starts again and perseveres nourished by his love for his family, his faith, and love for Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

The title Remain with Us, Lord  recalls the Biblical scene of the disciples who on the evening of the Resurrection encountered Jesus as they walked along the road leading to the town of Emmaus (Lk 24: 13-35).

“Weighed down with sadness, they never imagined that this stranger was none other than their Master, risen from the dead. Yet they felt their hearts burning within them as he spoke to them and ‘explained’ the Scriptures. The light of the Word unlocked the hardness of their hearts and ‘opened their eyes’. Amid the shadows of the passing day and the darkness that clouded their spirit, the Wayfarer brought a ray of light which rekindled their hope and led their hearts to yearn for the fullness of light. ‘Stay with us’, they pleaded. And he agreed. Soon afterwards, Jesus' face would disappear, yet the Master would ‘stay’ with them, hidden in the ‘breaking of the bread’ which had opened their eyes to recognize him (Pope John Paul II; Apostolic Letter Mane Nobiscum Domine, no.1).”

Remain with Us, Lord  has a running time of 35 minutes and is available with English and Spanish language subtitles.

Production

Remain with Us, Lord  was produced by The Cresta Group for Midwest Theological Forum.

Midwest Theological Forum is a not-for-profit corporation that publishes books and organizes seminars for Catholic bishops, priests, and laity.

The Cresta Group is a Chicago-based, award-winning production company that specializes in the production of message-driven videos and documentaries for non-profits and corporations worldwide.

Locations

Remain with Us, Lord  was filmed in the United States and Ireland.

In 2012, during filming, Ireland was in the midst of hosting the 50th International Eucharistic Congress. “A Eucharistic Congress is an international gathering of people which aims to promote an awareness of the central place of the Eucharist in the life and mission of the Catholic Church, to help improve our understanding and celebration of the liturgy and to draw attention to the social dimension of the Eucharist (Source: http://www.iec2012.ie).”

Guides & Extras

Remain with Us, Lord  is released through Midwest Theological Forum. With the purchase of the DVD or digital version, the video may be shown free of charge at any public or private gathering (a license or permission is not required).

Consider hosting a screening of Remain with Us, Lord  –

The heartfelt reflections and testimonies featured in Remain with Us, Lord  aim to inspire a renewed love and devotion to the Holy Mass and the Eucharist in the Church today. Hosting a screening of the video opens up the possibilities for reflection and discussion on:

• Why the Eucharist is the true and only nourishment that can satisfy our deepest longings.
• How the Eucharist can direct our understanding of love and freedom.
• The importance of Sunday Mass in our daily lives and family lives.
• How to prepare for Mass and how to get the most from it.
• How the Mass and the Eucharist are necessary to bring Christ to others and into the world.

The 35 minute video is ideal for teenagers, young adults, and adults, and is best viewed in a parish, conference, classroom, or small group setting.

Take advantage of our resources below for tips and help on hosting a screening today.