Eucharistic Corner

The liturgical celebration : the Mass of all ages

   How old is the Mass? How created its structure? In many shops and businesses we see the words: “Smith Market. Since 2004”, “Barbini Restaurant. Since 1850″… Saint Leo Parish was established in 1960. And the Holy Mass? Since when?

   The Eucharist was instituted by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper, on Holy Thursday. Many of his words and actions (like for example, John 6) were a preparation for this moment. And after the Last Supper, the death and resurrection were the fulfillment of the Eucharist in the body of Jesus. We could say that the Mass exists since Jesus Christ died on the cross and was risen from the dead.

   The Mass we celebrate today is not exactly like the Last Supper but its heart is the same: Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying: “Take and eat. This is my body”. Then he took a cup of wine, gave thanks and gave it to the disciples, saying: “Take and drink. This is my blood”. The words of consecration are the heart of the Eucharist.

   But has not the Church changed the Mass in the 60’s after Vatican II? Many things have changed and may change. Instead of Latin, we celebrate the Mass in English. The altar is now placed between the priest and the faithful. And many texts have been adapted or simplified. The substance, however, remains the same.

   As early as the second century (around the year 155) we have the witness of a very intelligent and courageous man, Sain Justin Martyr, for the basic lines of the order of the Mass. At least since then, they have stayed the same until our own day. This is what he wrote:

   “On the day we call the day of the sun, all who dwell in the city or country gather in the same place. The memoirs of the apostles and the writings of the prophets are read, as much as time permits. When the reader has finished, he who presides over those gathered admonishes and challenges them to imitate these beautiful things. Then we all rise together and offer prayers* for ourselves . . .and for all others, wherever they may be, so that we may be found righteous by our life and actions, and faithful to the commandments, so as to obtain eternal salvation. When the prayers are concluded we exchange the kiss. Then someone brings bread and a cup of water and wine mixed together to him who presides over the brethren. He takes them and offers praise and glory to the Father of the universe, through the name of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and for a considerable time he gives thanks (in Greek: eucharistian) that we have been judged worthy of these gifts. When he has concluded the prayers and thanksgivings, all present give voice to an acclamation by saying: ‘Amen.’ When he who presides has given thanks and the people have responded, those whom we call deacons give to those present the “eucharisted” bread, wine and water and take them to those who are absent.”