Fr. Jerry Pokorsky: Cultivating Our Personal Relationship with Jesus in Ritual

By Fr. Jerry Pokorsky, Catholic Culture, July 10, 2023

Fr. Jerry Pokorsky is a priest of the Diocese of Arlington who has also served as a financial administrator in the Diocese of Lincoln. Trained in business and accounting, he also holds a Master of Divinity and a Master’s in moral theology. Father Pokorsky co-founded both CREDO and Adoremus, two organizations deeply engaged in authentic liturgical renewal. He writes regularly for a number of Catholic websites and magazines.

Jesus teaches: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Mt. 11:28-30) We encounter Jesus at Mass, above all in Holy Communion, and He sends us forth to proclaim the Gospel and live His Commandments.

Mass attendance (along with abstaining from unnecessary works that hinder worship) fulfills the core of the obligation of the Third Commandment—“Keep holy the Sabbath.” The Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday celebrations fulfill and replace the Jewish Saturday Sabbath. The Liturgy of the Word fulfills and replaces synagogue worship. The unbloody re-presentation of the one Sacrifice of Jesus in the Liturgy of the Eucharist fulfills and replaces the Temple of Sacrifice (cf. Joseph Ratzinger, “The Spirit of the Liturgy”). …

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