The Mass is the greatest action in the world. Through the Mass heaven and earth are dawn closer together and we are united in Christ. It is the most perfect way to adore God. We know this is true, for God Himself showed us how.

It is almost two thousand years ago that the first Mass was offered. Twelve men were seated around a long white banquet table. The room was dim in the flickering candlelight.

It was ordinary room in an ordinary house and yet the occasion was not ordinary. The main Figure present was Jesus           Christ, the Son of God. All eyes were upon Him.

Slowly, purposely, His sacred hands broke and blessed it. From His lips came these sacred words: Take ye all and eat of this – FOR THIS IS MY BODY.”

Obediently, eagerly, the apostles accepted the Bread of Life. Then lifting a chalice was passed from hand to hand as each apostle sipped the life-giving blood.

Jesus held out His arms. He had another command to give. “As often as you shall do these things, in memory of me shall you do them.”

With these words the Savior completed the very first Mass and entrusted His apostles with the task of carrying on His work on earth through the Mass. The next day our Lord offered the bloody sacrifice of the cross. He died to save us and give us eternal salvation. Christ came to earth to offer His whole life as a sacrifice and an example. Christ’s life was one ling lesson in love.

First, He showed us how to lead holy and unselfish lives, as He did. Second, He showed us how to offer ourselves to God by offering His own mortal life. Third, He showed us how to worship God in the most perfect way, through the renewal of the Sacrifice at Calvary, the Mass.

Each Catholic is obliged to attend the Mass every Sunday and on Holy Days appointed by the Church. To offer ourselves worthily with Christ and to gain the many graces God showers upon us when we do this, it is necessary to understand the action of the Mass. It should therefore be the sacred obligation of every Catholic to know the Mass and participate in it to the best of his ability.

Anyone can learn the Mass. The prayers are easily committed to memory. An understanding of the meaning of the prayers and the actions of the priest can be memorized. But it is NOT ENOUGH TO KNOW THE MASS.

The Mass must be reverently prayed.  

Photo courtesy to Our Lady of Victories Church