The Meaning of the Word Mass

“The word ‘Mass’ comes from the word Missa meaning dismissal/sending. This points to how the Mass ultimately should be seen as a sending forth. As the Catechism explains, the celebration of the Eucharist is called Holy Mass “because the liturgy in which the mystery of salvation is accomplished concludes with the sending forth, or Missio, of the faithful so that they may fulfill God's will in their daily lives...The more deeply the Eucharist unites us to Jesus, the more we will radiate his life and his love in the world around. The closing line of the liturgy, 'Go forth, the Mass is ended,' is not an aimless dismissal. It is a dismissal with a mission. It is a sending forth of God's people to bring the mysteries of Christ into the world." As we reach the conclusion of today's Mass, remember that we are going forth so that we can fulfill God's will in our daily lives.