Everyone has a story — to share, articulate, inform, illustrate, present, and confirm. This is who we are as humans. There is not a truth more compelling told in human history than by way of the heart of a person’s witness. It is how all of humanity has passed on tradition, cultures, philosophies, folktales, tragedies and triumphs. Precisely, this is how the greatest story of all time, that of Christ, spread throughout the world for more than 2,000 years. Christ, Himself, is impressed in the human story.
“Christ opened heaven for us in the manhood he assumed.”St. Irenaeus, Divine Office
The Offertory is an expression to invite us to return to the primary way in which we are to share the glorious and transformative Truth of our faith to those around us. The gift of evangelization must first constitute an account of a LIVED experience — a REAL encounter. Unknowingly, we can think that what might convince people the most about the truth we hold is, first, through a list of logical proofs or air-tight theological principles that promote a practical ideology. But is this enough to enflame the heart?
Maybe for some.
But even in that, to ensure a lasting and ongoing conversion of heart, faith, and trust, reason alone cannot suffice. It must be animated by the artwork of our livelihood — raw, honest, and laden with trial and tested efforts.
As young adult Catholics in Tacoma, Mass Consumption (est. 2009) experienced the fruits of what it is to live as Eucharistic community, not just confined to the one hour of Mass obligation, but a bond that flows from the Liturgy into our everyday existence and foundations of fellowship. Here, we have encountered the VALUE of one another, meeting the inherent need to be seen, heard, appreciated, and loved as a brother and sister paralleled upon this road of shared destination.
We invite you to experience what we have found to be true for a fuller and adventurous faith -- which is that of genuine connection to each other’s lives in light of our unfolding stories in the one human story, that is Christ.
