What is the Mass?

09-16-2018Weekly Reflection

The core of the Eucharist never changes. The Mass is Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. The bishops at the Second Vatican Council brought together these three mysteries in a description of the Mass recalling the Last Supper, the sacrifice of the cross, and Easter Sunday.

But the Mass isn’t merely a meal reminding us of the Last Supper, a passion play recalling Good Friday, or a sunrise service celebrating the resurrection. In the Eucharist, “the Church opens to the faithful the riches of the Lord’s powers and merits, so that these are in some way made present in every age in order that the faithful may lay hold of them and be filled with saving grace” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, 102). At every Eucharist, in a real yet mystical way, we become present to these central mysteries of our Faith.

The events of Holy Thursday give us the key for understanding the “shape” of our Eucharistic ritual. What do we do at a formal meal? We gather with family and friends, talk and share our stories, and then move to the table. The food is brought to the table, we say grace, pass the food, and eat and drink. Finally, we take our leave and return to our homes. The Mass has these same four movements: (1) gathering, (2) storytelling, (3) meal sharing, and (4) commissioning.

Excerpt taken from Catholic UPDATE