The Power of Gathering

Description

In the spirit of Henri Nouwen, a warm and heartfelt reflection on the beauty and life-giving power of coming together for Mass.

For one reason or another, many people have chosen not to attend church in person—whether because of restrictions, a sense of isolation, or the ease of livestream and other digital formats. In this timely book, rooted in Scripture, church teaching, and his own lived experiences, Irish priest Fr. Paul Farren makes a compelling case for the beauty, power, and spiritual necessity of coming together in person to share in the Eucharist.

With humility and simplicity, Fr. Farren draws on imagery from the story of the Prodigal Son to convey God’s heart. ”Every time we come to Mass there is an explosion of love by God for each one of us,” he writes. "Coming to Mass is our response to God’s waiting and desiring—perhaps even God’s need. It is more important than anything else because it brings joy to God’s heart.”