THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS
Continued . . .
21 -- To whom is the Sacrifice of the Mass offered?
TO GOD ALONE
Why to God alone?
1. Because the Mass is an act of adoration.
2. Because the dignity of Christ, Victim and Sacrificer, is infinite. Hence His offering can be addressed only to God.
3. Because an offering made to a creature would be idolatrous, since the end of sacrifice is to acknowledge God's pre-eminence and kingship over all creation.
Nevertheless, the Sacrifice of the Mass may be offered in honor of the Angels and Saints:
1. To thank God for the wonderful way in which He has rewarded their virtue.
2. To ask graces from God through their intercession or patronage.
3. To celebrate their virtues and their triumphs.
4. To stir us up to imitate them.
The custom of offering the Mass in honor of the saints is a very ancient one. In the early days of the Church, it was customary to gather round the tombs of the martyrs on the anniversaries of their deaths and have Mass celebrated to honor their memory.
[From 'Your Mass and Your Life,' to be continued . . .]
Continued . . .
21 -- To whom is the Sacrifice of the Mass offered?
TO GOD ALONE
Why to God alone?
1. Because the Mass is an act of adoration.
2. Because the dignity of Christ, Victim and Sacrificer, is infinite. Hence His offering can be addressed only to God.
3. Because an offering made to a creature would be idolatrous, since the end of sacrifice is to acknowledge God's pre-eminence and kingship over all creation.
Nevertheless, the Sacrifice of the Mass may be offered in honor of the Angels and Saints:
1. To thank God for the wonderful way in which He has rewarded their virtue.
2. To ask graces from God through their intercession or patronage.
3. To celebrate their virtues and their triumphs.
4. To stir us up to imitate them.
The custom of offering the Mass in honor of the saints is a very ancient one. In the early days of the Church, it was customary to gather round the tombs of the martyrs on the anniversaries of their deaths and have Mass celebrated to honor their memory.
[From 'Your Mass and Your Life,' to be continued . . .]
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