What is the purpose of mass?

[YoungTradCath]

What does it mean, in your view, to be “transported to that sacrifice”? What does it entail? What is happening at the place you are transported to?

VC

That sacrifice happened at Calvary, or Golgotha, a bit outside the walls of Jerusalem. That place is where Jesus Christ immolated himself. When the priest celebrates the Holy Sacrifice of Mass on our behalf, we are transported mystically to that very same sacrifice at Golgotha some 2,000 years ago, even though it is happening in our times. The sacrifice happened once, yet it is still happening. That is why we call mass a “mystery.”

 

[Verbum_Caro]

Thanks YTC.

I’d like to explore what you mean more directly, if you don’t mind. I’m not trying to “lead” you, though . . . I don’t want to you to feel like I’m playing a game of “gotcha!” or anything. I’m just wondering about the details of how you view it.

What do you think about all the events surrounding Calvary? Are you present to them as well? To the soldiers? The crowd? Is Christ currently undergoing pain and suffering? Are others present? Judas? St. John?