Published in the bulletin of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Knoxville, TN, on Ascension Sunday.

My dear Parishioners,

Peace! There are fourteen (14) In Brief passages in the Catechism of the Catholic Church regarding the Sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist. The following is a reflection on article 1414.

Consideration of four (4) aspects of the Eucharist as a sacrifice will help us to have a more complete understanding of so great a sacrament.

First of all, we should consider that the Eucharist is a sacrifice. Christ Himself offered Himself up for our redemption on Good Friday, even as He anticipated it on Holy Thursday at the Last Supper, commanding that we do this in memory of Him (cf. Matthew 26:26–28; Mark 14:22–24; Luke 22:15–21; Corinthians 11:25; Hebrews 9:14, 28). When the Lord first said “…My body given for you… My blood, which shall be shed for you” the sacrifice of Good Friday was anticipated. Part of the mystery of the Holy Mass is that it makes present in the here and now what happened both in the Upper Room and on Calvary (cf. Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:37; Luke 23:46; John 19:30).

Second, the Eucharistic sacrifice is offered in reparation for the sins of the living and the dead. The Old Testament knew of “peace offerings”(cf. Leviticus 3:1–17; 6:12; 7:1-) and “sin offerings” (cf. Exodus 29:10-; Leviticus 4:1–35; 6:24–30); and “guilt offering” (cf. Leviticus 5:14–6:7). These sacrifices were but preparations for Christ’s one only sacrifice which is perpetuated and made present in the mystery of the Mass. The Roman Canon has two (2) explicit “mementos,” one for the living and one for the dead. This is just one way in which the sacrifice of the Mass is offered in reparation, the priest’s intention. Another is by the intention of the faithful present. Yet still another way reparation for sins is made through the Sacrifice of the Mass is through the sacrificial offering (Mass stipend) often made together with the request that the Holy Mass be offered for a particular needy soul.

Third, the Eucharistic sacrifice is offered in order to obtain from God spiritual benefits. Most frequently the Mass is requested so as to obtain from God special graces and virtues and growth in holiness for ourselves, our loved ones, the world…. An example is seen in the Nuptial Mass which is offered not only in thanksgiving for the couple who have found each other and committed themselves to each other, but also to ask for choice blessings from God safeguarding indissoluble unity… These are some spiritual benefits, there are others.

Finally, the Eucharistic sacrifice may also be and often is offered in order to obtain temporal benefits for ourselves and others. Temporal benefits include, but are not limited to acquiring gainful employment, academic or professional goals and the like. The various professions (e.g. through the “Red Mass,” the “White Mass,” and the “Blue Mass”) call down blessings respectively upon judges and lawyers, doctors and nurses, and the police as each serves the common good of society.

God bless you!

Father John Arthur Orr