Pray, brothers and sisters

[NaturalEnquirer]

This may very well be silly. But it’s stuck in my head, and maybe y’all can help me sort it out.

During the Mass, when the priest says, “Pray, brothers and sisters, that this sacrifice may be acceptable…” – does that imply that if the congregation doesn’t pray, the sacrifice may not be accepted? That the consecration would not occur?

Thanks!

 

[benedictgal]

This may very well be silly. But it’s stuck in my head, and maybe y’all can help me sort it out.

During the Mass, when the priest says, “Pray, brothers and sisters, that this sacrifice may be acceptable…” – does that imply that if the congregation doesn’t pray, the sacrifice may not be accepted? That the consecration would not occur?

Thanks!

This prayer is part of the liturgy of the Eucharist. However, what is required for a valid consecration is the form, matter and intent of the minister.

 

[PhilotheaZ]

The “sacrifice” that is mentioned here refers not only to the Body and Blood of Christ (which at this point in the Mass have not even been confected yet), but also the gift of ourselves — all that we are, all that we have, all that we do, all that we suffer (this gift of ourselves being represented by the bread and wine) — which we are supposed to be uniting to the sacrifice of Christ. In this sense, our conscious prayer and offering of ourselves will certainly make the sacrifice more acceptable to God.

 

[benedictgal]

The “sacrifice” that is mentioned here refers not only to the Body and Blood of Christ (which at this point in the Mass have not even been confected yet), but also the gift of ourselves — all that we are, all that we have, all that we do, all that we suffer (this gift of ourselves being represented by the bread and wine) — which we are supposed to be uniting to the sacrifice of Christ. In this sense, our conscious prayer and offering of ourselves will certainly make the sacrifice more acceptable to God.

While this is certainly true, if you read the OP, the question is if not saying this prayer affects the Consecration. The confection of the Sacrament does not rely on this prayer. So long as the Consecration is valid (form, matter, intent), then Jesus comes. Transubstantiation does not depend on the Orate Fratres, but, as you noted, it is certainly a holy and recommended act to unite our sacrifice with Jesus’.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

This may very well be silly. But it’s stuck in my head, and maybe y’all can help me sort it out.

During the Mass, when the priest says, “Pray, brothers and sisters, that this sacrifice may be acceptable…” – does that imply that if the congregation doesn’t pray, the sacrifice may not be accepted? That the consecration would not occur?

Thanks!

Remember that there are two sacrifices being offered. The physical sacrifice of bread and wine, our offerings, ourselves. And the mystical Sacrifice of Christ on the cross, outside of time

 

[drafdog]

The question is: Why would you not pray? This is part of the congregation’s participation in the Eucharistic prayer. Also at the end of the Eucharistic prayer we say or sing the Great Amen which binds us with the priest in offering the sacrifice of the Mass and is also our prayer for the Holy Spirit to enliven the bread and wine with the Presence of Christ. Pray with us.

Matthew

 

[Walking_Home]

This may very well be silly. But it’s stuck in my head, and maybe y’all can help me sort it out.

During the Mass, when the priest says, “Pray, brothers and sisters, that this sacrifice may be acceptable…” – does that imply that if the congregation doesn’t pray, the sacrifice may not be accepted? That the consecration would not occur?

Thanks!

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There is an error – which states that a Mass is not valid without the congregation being present. It seems to go along the lines of what you ask above. Without our participation – is the Mass (consecration) valid. That error was condemned (can’t remember at the moment which Pope condemned it). A priest alone — can offer a valid Mass — without any congregation present to participate in the Sacrifice.

So in essense — while we are invited to pray – it is the priest who offers and makes the consecration occur.