The Mass makes present the once-and-for-all sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Therefore, to enter into the spirit of the Mass, we must "proclaim the death of the Lord" (1 Cor 11:26) and offer our bodies to the Lord as living sacrifices (Rm 12:1). The spirit of the Mass is the spirit of sacrifice. Thus it is important to fast before Mass, deny ourselves, and take up our crosses each day (Lk 9:23) with the intention of uniting ourselves to Jesus crucified (see Gal 2:19) and sacrificed (see Heb 9:26). Through our "good deeds and generosity" (Heb 13:16), we make sacrifices pleasing to the Lord. We can unite these sacrifices with Jesus' sacrifice on Calvary and fill up in our own bodies what is lacking in the "sufferings of Christ" (Col 1:24).
The Holy Mass is not the proclamation and perpetuation of our sacrifices but rather of His sacrifice. However, the Mass is the participation of our sacrifices in His. Live the Mass. Live a life of sacrifice. Through Jesus, "let us continually offer God a sacrifice of praise" (Heb 13:15).
| PRAYER: | Father, do a miracle of multiplication in today's Mass (see Lk 9:16ff). |
| PROMISE: | "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me." –1 Cor 11:25 |
| PRAISE: | "Now, since the children are men of blood and flesh, Jesus likewise had a full share in ours, that by His death he might rob the devil, the prince of death, of his power" (Heb 2:14). Glorified Jesus, You become truly present in Holy Communion. We humbly adore You. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College