Eucharistic Prayer III

[tonywin]

Many of our Catholic prayers said in mass are jam packed with so many themes and teachings. They are very dense and can be confusing to someone who is not familiar with our teachings. I am trying to analyze the Eucharistic Prayer III. There are many themes in this prayer, but which theme in this prayer speaks to you most? What does that Catholic Church believe or teach on those themes.

EPIII: "Father, calling to mind the death your Son endured for our salvation, his glorious resurrection and ascension into heaven, and ready to greet him when he comes again, we offer you in thanksgiving this holy and living sacrifice.

Look with favor on your Church’s offering, and see the Victim whose death has reconciled us to yourself. Grant that we who are nourished by his body and blood, may be filled with his Holy Spirit and become one body, one spirit in Christ."

Thanks. Look forward to hearing your beliefs!

 

[bostonboy23]

not really sure what your asking. are you asking what the prayer means or do you want us to comment on it?

 

[japhy]

Many of our Catholic prayers said in mass are jam packed with so many themes and teachings. They are very dense and can be confusing to someone who is not familiar with our teachings.

That is part of the glory of the Mass. It is not primarily didactic (a teaching tool), but the very way the prayers are worded should, in fact, instruct the faithful in the faith. The classical prayers of the Mass are full of meaning, and it’s a shame that more priests don’t preach about them during the homily (even if only for a minute or two)!

I am trying to analyze the Eucharistic Prayer III. There are many themes in this prayer, but which theme in this prayer speaks to you most?

The various Eucharistic Prayers have their merits (although EP II has very few, owing to its brevity). I like EP I (the Roman Canon) very much because it is quite meticulous and reverent in its presentation of the bread and wine, and then of the Eucharist, to the Father.

EP III has some excellent phrases (right out of Scripture), like “so that from the rising of the sun to its setting a pure sacrifice may be offered to your name.” (cf. Mal. 1:11)

EP IV is very didactic, giving a summary of salvation history.

EPIII: "Father, calling to mind the death your Son endured for our salvation, his glorious resurrection and ascension into heaven, and ready to greet him when he comes again, we offer you in thanksgiving this holy and living sacrifice.

Look with favor on your Church’s offering, and see the Victim whose death has reconciled us to yourself. Grant that we who are nourished by his body and blood, may be filled with his Holy Spirit and become one body, one spirit in Christ."

Here’s the new translation, by the way, for comparison:
Therefore, O Lord, as we celebrate the memorial
of the saving Passion of your Son,
his wondrous Resurrection
and Ascension into heaven,
and as we look forward to his second coming,
we offer you in thanksgiving
this holy and living sacrifice.

Look, we pray, upon the oblation of your Church
and, recognizing the sacrificial Victim by whose death
you willed to reconcile us to yourself,
grant that we, who are nourished
by the Body and Blood of your Son
and filled with his Holy Spirit,
may become one body, one spirit in Christ.