Liturgical Celebration
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
Until He Comes (1341)
We certainly must remember all that Jesus did for us. However, his command to repeat his words and actions "until he comes" is directed also to the liturgical celebration of this memorial of his life, death, Resurrection, and intercession before the Father.
Celebrated from Beginning (1342-1344)
The Church has always been faithful to this command. Immediately after Pentecost, the earliest believers "devoted themselves... to the breaking of the bread and the prayers" (Acts 2:42).
On Sunday, the day of the Lord's Resurrection, Christians met for Eucharist. When Paul was at Troas, "on the first day of the week, we gathered to break bread" (Acts 20:7). Since then, the Eucharist has been the center of Church life.
By celebrating Eucharist, the Church proclaims these mysteries of Jesus "until he comes" and leads the elect to the table of the kingdom.
St. Justin's Outline (1345)
Around 155, St. Justin outlined the structure of Mass for the pagan emperor Antonius Pius. This order has remained until now. He wrote:
- Christians gather on Sunday.
- The writings of apostles and prophets are read.
- The presider challenges the hearers to imitate these things.
- All then offer prayers of intercession.
- They exchange a kiss of peace.
- The gifts of bread and wine (mixed with water) are brought forth.
- The presider prays for a "considerable time" as "he gives thanks" (Eucharist).
- At the end, all say "Amen."
- The deacons give the "Eucharistized" bread, wine and water to all present and take some to those absent.
Two Parts (1346-1347)
This liturgical structure (preserved for centuries) has two great parts - the liturgy of the Word (readings, homily, and intercessions) and the liturgy of the Eucharist (presentation of the gifts, consecration, and communion). Together they form "one single act of worship."
This structure is similar to the Risen Jesus' encounter with the two disciples. After explaining the Scripture, he sat at table, "took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them" (Lk 24:13-35).
Christ Presides Invisibly (1348)
Christ himself is the principal agent of the Eucharist, presiding invisibly over every Eucharistic celebration. The bishop (or priest) acts in the person of Christ the head, giving the homily, receiving the gifts, and saying the Eucharistic prayer. Others exercise various ministries. All the people participate by their "Amen."
Reading, Homily, and Intercessions (1349)
The Liturgy of the Word includes both the Old and New Testament, followed by the homily which exhorts all to put the Word into practice. Finally, all intercede. "I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all men" (1 Tim 2:1-2).
Presentation of the Gifts (1350-1351)
The bread and wine are brought to the priest who (like Christ) took "the bread and a cup." The Church uses these created elements and "alone offers this pure oblation to the Creator" (St. Irenaeus). This presentation puts the Creator's gifts into Christ's hands who perfects all human attempts to offer sacrifices.
Besides bread and wine, Christians took up a collection for the poor. "What is gathered is given to him who presides to assist all who are in need" (St. Justin).
Six Parts of Eucharistic Prayer (1352-1355)
The Eucharistic Prayer (Anaphora) is the heart and summit of the celebration and contains the following:
- Preface - The whole community joins in unending praise, giving thanks for God's creation, redemption, and sanctification.
- Epiclesis - The Church asks the Father to send the Spirit on the bread and wine so they might become the body and blood of Christ and that all those participating would be one.
- Institution Narrative - The power of the words, the action of Christ and the power of the Spirit make Christ's body and blood sacramentally present under the species of bread and wine.
- Anamnesis - After recalling Christ's Passion, Resurrection and glorious return, the Church presents this reconciling offering to the Father.
- Intercessions - This shows that the Eucharist is celebrated in communion with the whole Church in Heaven and on earth.
- Communion - The faithful receive "the bread of heaven" and "the cup of salvation." "Because this bread and wine have been made Eucharist," the recipients must believe in the Church's teaching, be baptized, and live by what Christ taught (St. Justin).
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