The Sacrifice of the Mass

[Godith]

I went to Mass with my friend last week (for only the second time in my life), and I have a question I hope someone can help me with.

At the start of the Eucharist, the priest says 'Pray, brothers and sisters, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God’. I have read that the Mass is a re-presentation of the sacrifice that Jesus made on Calvary, so His once-for-all sacrifice is present again on the altar. This being the case, why do we need to pray this prayer? Is there doubt that God will accept the work of the Cross? That seems unlikely to me, since the Cross is and always has been God’s plan for our salvation, and there isn’t a Plan B. Does anyone know the meaning of this part of the liturgy?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Inquiringperson]

I went to Mass with my friend last week (for only the second time in my life), and I have a question I hope someone can help me with.

At the start of the Eucharist, the priest says 'Pray, brothers and sisters, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God’. I have read that the Mass is a re-presentation of the sacrifice that Jesus made on Calvary, so His once-for-all sacrifice is present again on the altar. This being the case, why do we need to pray this prayer? Is there doubt that God will accept the work of the Cross? That seems unlikely to me, since the Cross is and always has been God’s plan for our salvation, and there isn’t a Plan B. Does anyone know the meaning of this part of the liturgy?

Thanks for your help.

When we go to Mass, we bring OUR sacrifices to God. He takes it and accepts it as a sacrifice. These sacrifices are pulled to the Mass. We offer ourselves to him.

This homily is where I got it.
youtube.com/watch?v=i-TxoVSUlP4&feature=feedu

 

[jmj1984]

When we go to Mass, we bring OUR sacrifices to God. He takes it and accepts it as a sacrifice. These sacrifices are pulled to the Mass. We offer ourselves to him.

This homily is where I got it.
youtube.com/watch?v=i-TxoVSUlP4&feature=feedu

I’m afraid that your explanation simply isn’t correct.

This being the case, why do we need to pray this prayer? Is there doubt that God will accept the work of the Cross? That seems unlikely to me, since the Cross is and always has been God’s plan for our salvation, and there isn’t a Plan B. Does anyone know the meaning of this part of the liturgy?

I can’t do any better than present what the Council of Trent says on the matter ‘**Forasmuch as, under the former Testament, according to the testimony of the Apostle Paul, there was no perfection, because of the weakness of the Levitical priesthood; there was need, God, the Father of mercies, so ordaining, that another priest should rise, according to the order of Melchisedech, our Lord Jesus Christ, who might consummate, and lead to what is perfect, as many as were to be sanctified. He, therefore, our God and Lord, though He was about to offer Himself once on the altar of the cross unto God the Father, by means of his death, there to operate an eternal redemption; nevertheless, because that His priesthood was not to be extinguished by His death, in the last supper, on the night in which He was betrayed,–that He might leave, to His own beloved Spouse the Church, a visible sacrifice, such as the nature of man requires, whereby that bloody sacrifice, once to be accomplished on the cross, might be represented, and the memory thereof remain even unto the end of the world, and its salutary virtue be applied to the remission of those sins which we daily commit,–declaring Himself constituted a priest for ever, according to the order of Melchisedech, He offered up to God the Father His own body and blood under the species of bread and wine; and, under the symbols of those same things, He delivered (His own body and blood) to be received by His apostles, whom He then constituted priests of the New Testament; and by those words, Do this in commemoration of me, He commanded them and their successors in the priesthood, to offer (them); even as the Catholic Church has always understood and taught. For, having celebrated the ancient Passover, which the multitude of the children of Israel immolated in memory of their going out of [Page 154] Egypt, He instituted the new Passover, (to wit) Himself to be immolated, under visible signs, by the Church through (the ministry of) priests, in memory of His own passage from this world unto the Father, when by the effusion of His own blood He redeemed us, and delivered us from the power of darkness, and translated us into his kingdom. And this is indeed that clean oblation, which cannot be defiled by any unworthiness, or malice of those that offer (it); which the Lord foretold by Malachias was to be offered in every place, clean to his name, which was to be great amongst the Gentiles; and which the apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, has not obscurely indicated, when he says, that they who are defiled by the participation of the table of devils, cannot be partakers of the table of the Lord; by the table, meaning in both places the altar. This, in fine, is that oblation which was prefigured by various types of sacrifices, during the period of nature, and of the law; in as much as it comprises all the good things signified by those sacrifices, as being the consummation and perfection of them all. **’

If that needs any explaining, feel free to say so and I’ll give it a shot

 

[Inquiringperson]

I’m afraid that your explanation simply isn’t correct.

I can’t do any better than present what the Council of Trent says on the matter ‘**Forasmuch as, under the former Testament, according to the testimony of the Apostle Paul, there was no perfection, because of the weakness of the Levitical priesthood; there was need, God, the Father of mercies, so ordaining, that another priest should rise, according to the order of Melchisedech, our Lord Jesus Christ, who might consummate, and lead to what is perfect, as many as were to be sanctified. He, therefore, our God and Lord, though He was about to offer Himself once on the altar of the cross unto God the Father, by means of his death, there to operate an eternal redemption; nevertheless, because that His priesthood was not to be extinguished by His death, in the last supper, on the night in which He was betrayed,–that He might leave, to His own beloved Spouse the Church, a visible sacrifice, such as the nature of man requires, whereby that bloody sacrifice, once to be accomplished on the cross, might be represented, and the memory thereof remain even unto the end of the world, and its salutary virtue be applied to the remission of those sins which we daily commit,–declaring Himself constituted a priest for ever, according to the order of Melchisedech, He offered up to God the Father His own body and blood under the species of bread and wine; and, under the symbols of those same things, He delivered (His own body and blood) to be received by His apostles, whom He then constituted priests of the New Testament; and by those words, Do this in commemoration of me, He commanded them and their successors in the priesthood, to offer (them); even as the Catholic Church has always understood and taught. For, having celebrated the ancient Passover, which the multitude of the children of Israel immolated in memory of their going out of [Page 154] Egypt, He instituted the new Passover, (to wit) Himself to be immolated, under visible signs, by the Church through (the ministry of) priests, in memory of His own passage from this world unto the Father, when by the effusion of His own blood He redeemed us, and delivered us from the power of darkness, and translated us into his kingdom. And this is indeed that clean oblation, which cannot be defiled by any unworthiness, or malice of those that offer (it); which the Lord foretold by Malachias was to be offered in every place, clean to his name, which was to be great amongst the Gentiles; and which the apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, has not obscurely indicated, when he says, that they who are defiled by the participation of the table of devils, cannot be partakers of the table of the Lord; by the table, meaning in both places the altar. This, in fine, is that oblation which was prefigured by various types of sacrifices, during the period of nature, and of the law; in as much as it comprises all the good things signified by those sacrifices, as being the consummation and perfection of them all. **’

If that needs any explaining, feel free to say so and I’ll give it a shot

I kind of rushed through my answer, so I probably got some things wrong by accident. However, I don’t have much time right now so I can’t go on. Anyway, how does this explain that we need the prayer that the OP talks about? I think he’s asking why we need that prayer during Mass.

 

[Warrenton]

I kind of rushed through my answer, so I probably got some things wrong by accident. However, I don’t have much time right now so I can’t go on. Anyway, how does this explain that we need the prayer that the OP talks about? I think he’s asking why we need that prayer during Mass.

There has to be a continuation of the sacrifice of the mass because Christ commanded it.

That’s from Catholic tradition, which comes partly from scripture and partly from the teachings of the Fathers.

We need priests to sacrifice the mass- the reasoning is in the documents from Trent cited by JMJ.

That said, we know that we are sinful. The priest knows he is sinful. The priest and the people know that the sinful are unworthy to offer the holy.

The prayer asks God to overlook our many faults and accept the sacrifice for the sake of Christ, whom we are trying to serve and honor through the mass.

The tridentine form makes this a bit more clear, but that’s “why” we need to offer the prayer.

Cheers!

 

[jmj1984]

I kind of rushed through my answer, so I probably got some things wrong by accident. However, I don’t have much time right now so I can’t go on. Anyway, how does this explain that we need the prayer that the OP talks about? I think he’s asking why we need that prayer during Mass.

Because the Priest must offer the sacrifice to God. Its explained by Trent.

 

[Aelred_Minor]

It’s important that the priest says “my sacrifice and yours” rather than “our sacrifice” (as it’s wrongly said by some priests in their own initiative), because there are really two vastly different kinds of sacrifices at mass.

The first, central, efficacious, definitive sacrifice of course is the sacrifice of Christ, which is made present by the priest’s ministry at the alter. We can pray for God to accept that sacrifice, not because there is any question about whether He will accept it (He has, from all eternity), but because we ourselves need Him to and as Christians can and should ask Him to. Asking expresses not any distrust on our part but an awareness of our need for mercy.

The other sacrifice, or rather sacrifices, are the sacrifices of each of our own lives. In response to the love and sacrifice of Jesus, it is natural and right to desire to offer our own selves back to God. This is what the offertory symbolizes, often accompanied by a material contribution as an incarnate expression of our self-gift. This gift of ourselves to God of course is not itself efficacious in getting our sins forgiven. That’s the work of the sacrifice of Christ. But it’s a response to and incorporation into that sacrifice of Christ.

 

[bostonboy23]

I went to Mass with my friend last week (for only the second time in my life), and I have a question I hope someone can help me with.

At the start of the Eucharist, the priest says 'Pray, brothers and sisters, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God’. I have read that the Mass is a re-presentation of the sacrifice that Jesus made on Calvary, so His once-for-all sacrifice is present again on the altar. This being the case, why do we need to pray this prayer? Is there doubt that God will accept the work of the Cross? That seems unlikely to me, since the Cross is and always has been God’s plan for our salvation, and there isn’t a Plan B. Does anyone know the meaning of this part of the liturgy?

Thanks for your help.

first off your misquoting its “pray my brothers and sisters that this OUR sacrifice be made acceptable to God the almighty father” the priest isn’t sacrificing anything. Jesus did the one true sacrifice for all on the cross.

that being said to answer your question since we are mere mortals and sinners we need to ask God to accept what we are doing. what are we doing? we are not sacrificing Jesus again we our entering into the one and for all sacrifice of Calvary.

that would be like me asking you to accept my apology without me saying im sorry.

Also this is not a re-presentation of Calvary it is Calvary. think of the mass as a time machine and right at the moment of consecration we are at the moment when Jesus died. literally.

 

[bostonboy23]

When we go to Mass, we bring OUR sacrifices to God. He takes it and accepts it as a sacrifice. These sacrifices are pulled to the Mass. We offer ourselves to him.

This homily is where I got it.
youtube.com/watch?v=i-TxoVSUlP4&feature=feedu

kindly find what diocese this priest is in contact his bishop and tell him this priest is spreading untruths.

 

[bostonboy23]

It’s important that the priest says “my sacrifice and yours” rather than “our sacrifice” (as it’s wrongly said by some priests in their own initiative), because there are really two vastly different kinds of sacrifices at mass.

The first, central, efficacious, definitive sacrifice of course is the sacrifice of Christ, which is made present by the priest’s ministry at the alter. We can pray for God to accept that sacrifice, not because there is any question about whether He will accept it (He has, from all eternity), but because we ourselves need Him to and as Christians can and should ask Him to. Asking expresses not any distrust on our part but an awareness of our need for mercy.

The other sacrifice, or rather sacrifices, are the sacrifices of each of our own lives. In response to the love and sacrifice of Jesus, it is natural and right to desire to offer our own selves back to God. This is what the offertory symbolizes, often accompanied by a material contribution as an incarnate expression of our self-gift. This gift of ourselves to God of course is not itself efficacious in getting our sins forgiven. That’s the work of the sacrifice of Christ. But it’s a response to and incorporation into that sacrifice of Christ.

in the prayer that this person was citing the correct word is our. but you are correct we bring sacrifices to mass as well but these are given at a different time.

 

[Aelred_Minor]

in the prayer that this person was citing the correct word is our. but you are correct we bring sacrifices to mass as well but these are given at a different time.

Woops. It’s a difference between the the original Latin and the new translation about to be put into effect on one hand and the old translation about to be taken out of use on the other, not official text and liturgical abuse. I got that mixed up.

Mea culpa.

 

[paduard]

first off your misquoting its “pray my brothers and sisters that this OUR sacrifice be made acceptable to God the almighty father” the priest isn’t sacrificing anything. Jesus did the one true sacrifice for all on the cross.

that being said to answer your question since we are mere mortals and sinners we need to ask God to accept what we are doing. what are we doing? we are not sacrificing Jesus again we our entering into the one and for all sacrifice of Calvary.

that would be like me asking you to accept my apology without me saying im sorry.

Also this is not a re-presentation of Calvary it is Calvary. think of the mass as a time machine and right at the moment of consecration we are at the moment when Jesus died. literally.

Yes I agree the last paragraph - well put. Better to think in terms of continuation instead of re-presentation methinks.

 

[paperwight66]

To clarify : the new translation has ‘Pray, brethren/ brothers and sisters that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father’ - I have the card right here in front of me, as we are already using it in the UK.

 

[hilde_the_dog]

The representattion allows us to participate. As I recall the jewish passover was memorial of the first meal. But not just a memorial, it was understood that those who participated in the memorial were participating in the first passover by their participation in the memorial. The sacrifice of Christ happened once but in essence now the church is allowed to participate in this sacrifice.

Remember God is “I AM”. Always now. So our past present and future IS to Him. It is now past resent and future

 

[TheMc]

To clarify : the new translation has ‘Pray, brethren/ brothers and sisters that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father’ - I have the card right here in front of me, as we are already using it in the UK.

Indeed. The missal in the US lists it like this:

Pray, brethren (brothers and sisters ),
that my sacrifice and yours
may be acceptable to God,
the almighty Father.

 

[Cristiano]

…Also this is not a re-presentation of Calvary it is Calvary. think of the mass as a time machine and right at the moment of consecration we are at the moment when Jesus died. literally.

It is a re-presentation of the Calvary. It makes the Calvary present to us one more time. I think that you are incorrect with your understanding of the concept of re-presentation, but you are quite correct with the fundamental understanding of the transcendence from kronos to kairos. Yes, we are truly on the Calvary at the feet of the Cross because the only and eternal sacrifice has been made present to us one more time.

 

[Verbum_Caro]

Also this is not a re-presentation of Calvary it is Calvary. think of the mass as a time machine and right at the moment of consecration we are at the moment when Jesus died. literally.

What other parts of Calvary are there, in your opinion? Or does one abstract “dying” from other parts and context?

Thanks,
VC

 

[Cristiano]

Yes I agree the last paragraph - well put. Better to think in terms of continuation instead of re-presentation methinks.

It is wrong to say that it is a continuation. Continuation implies kronos and it would also imply that it was not finished contrary to what Jesus said on the Cross.

 

[Inquiringperson]

There has to be a continuation of the sacrifice of the mass because Christ commanded it.

That’s from Catholic tradition, which comes partly from scripture and partly from the teachings of the Fathers.

We need priests to sacrifice the mass- the reasoning is in the documents from Trent cited by JMJ.

That said, we know that we are sinful. The priest knows he is sinful. The priest and the people know that the sinful are unworthy to offer the holy.

The prayer asks God to overlook our many faults and accept the sacrifice for the sake of Christ, whom we are trying to serve and honor through the mass.

The tridentine form makes this a bit more clear, but that’s “why” we need to offer the prayer.

Cheers!

Makes sense. Thanks.

 

[Godith]

first off your misquoting its “pray my brothers and sisters that this OUR sacrifice be made acceptable to God the almighty father” the priest isn’t sacrificing anything. Jesus did the one true sacrifice for all on the cross.

I was quoting from the Order of Mass book I was given the other week, which is the new translation already in use in England, where I am from.

I can’t do any better than present what the Council of Trent says on the matter

Thank you, jmj. Your quote explains well why the Mass is a true sacrifice, and I found it interesting to read. I’m not sure it answers my question, though. In fact, this passage seemed to me to underline why I don’t understand the meaning of the prayer I asked about:

‘**And this is indeed that clean oblation, which cannot be defiled by any unworthiness, or malice of those that offer (it); which the Lord foretold by Malachias was to be offered in every place, clean to his name, which was to be great amongst the Gentiles; and which the apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, has not obscurely indicated, when he says, that they who are defiled by the participation of the table of devils, cannot be partakers of the table of the Lord; by the table, meaning in both places the altar. **’

If the Mass is always a clean, pure sacrifice, that can’t be defiled by the sinfulness of the people who participate, or of the priest, why do we pray that God will accept it? Surely that’s a given, considering what it is, and what’s happening on the altar?

I think Aelred might have helped me understand what it’s about, though.

The first, central, efficacious, definitive sacrifice of course is the sacrifice of Christ, which is made present by the priest’s ministry at the alter. We can pray for God to accept that sacrifice, not because there is any question about whether He will accept it (He has, from all eternity), but because we ourselves need Him to and as Christians can and should ask Him to. Asking expresses not any distrust on our part but an awareness of our need for mercy.

So it’s a bit like asking for forgiveness? We know that the moment we turn back to God in our hearts, and resolve to do what’s right, God forgives us, but we still need to ask for forgiveness, and pray to be restored. (In my church, we don’t have sacramental Confession, but I do find I have to talk to God about these things, mostly because I need his help to change. )