Saint Augustine:
A goat, for instance, was offered for sin, a ram, anything; the victim itself which was offered for sin was called “sin.” A sacrifice for sin then was called “sin;” so that in one place the Law says, “That the Priests are to lay their hands upon the sin.” “Him” then, “who knew no sin, He made sin for us;” that is, “He was made a sacrifice for sin.” Sin was offered, and sin was cancelled. The Blood of the Redeemer was shed, and the debtor’s bond was cancelled. This is the “Blood, That was shed** for many** for the remission of sins.”
St. John Chrysostom:
“And He took a cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; This is my blood of the New Testament, Which is shed
for many, for the remission of sins.”
And how were they not confounded at hearing this? Because He had before told unto them many and great things touching this. Wherefore that He establishes no more, for they had heard it sufficiently, but he speaks of the cause of His passion, namely, the taking away of sins. And He calls it blood of a New Testament, that of the undertaking, the promise, the new law. For this He undertook also of old, and this comprises the Testament that is in the new law. And like as the Old Testament had sheep and bullocks, so this has the Lord’s blood. Hence also He shows that He is soon to die, wherefore also He made mention of a Testament, and He reminds them also of the former Testament, for that also was dedicated with blood. And again He tells the cause of His death, “which is shed
for many for the remission of sins;” and He saith, “Do this in remembrance of me.” Seest thou how He removes and draws them off from Jewish customs. For like as ye did that, He saith, in remembrance of the miracles in Egypt, so do this likewise in remembrance of me. That was shed for the preservation of the firstborn, this for the remission of the sins of the whole world. For, “This,” saith He, “is my blood, which is shed for the remission of sins.”
St. Cyprian:
For, taking the cup on the eve of His passion, He blessed it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Drink ye all of this; for this is my blood of the New Testament, which shall be shed
for many, for the remission of sins. I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day in which I shall drink new wine with you in the kingdom of my Father.” In which portion we find that the cup which the Lord offered was mixed, and that that was wine which He called His blood. Whence it appears that the blood of Christ is not offered if there be no wine in the cup, nor the Lord’s sacrifice celebrated with a legitimate consecration unless our oblation and sacrifice respond to His passion. But how shall we drink the new wine of the fruit of the vine with Christ in the kingdom of His Father, if in the sacrifice of God the Father and of Christ we do not offer wine, nor mix the cup of the Lord by the Lord’s own tradition?
ThomasMore1535:
You’re saying that the consecration words in English are “scripturally inaccurate”? Well, then, you have to say that the consecratory words of the Tridentine Rite are also scripturally inaccurte, since they contain the phrase “mysterium fidei,” which is nowhere found in Sacred Scripture. And it’s a fact that early canons like the Canon of Hyppolytus did not have the “mysterium fidei” in it. Now, I have no problem with the “myterium fidei” being in the words of consecration. But you cannot claim that the “for all” is Scripturally inaccurate while at the same time claiming that the “mysterium fidei” is just fine and dandy, which I assume is your position.
The phrase “scripturally inaccurate” comes from your own post. I object to for “for all” because it is not true; it is not what Jesus said. Not everything Jesus said was recorded in the New Testament. We have the Roman Catechism, plus Popes Innocent III, Eugene IV, and Pius V to tell us that Jesus did use the expression “Mystery of Faith”, which was handed down from the Apostles. *.
The Bible is clear, however, that Jesus said “for many” rather than “for all”. That is why, as you guessed, I believe that “Mysterium Fidei” is fine and dandy, while “pro omnibus” is not.
ThomasMore1535:
“For many” and “for all” are interchangeable. Look at the ancient canons. They contain many variations on Our Lord’s words, but this has never been viewed as a problem. “All” and “many” in this case are interchangeable. Rome has spoken; the case is closed.
Looking at the other canons is a reasonable suggestion, and one which I hope to comply with next week.*