The Hidden Depths of the Mass #17

The Liturgy of the Eucharist
Last week we ended our discussion of the Liturgy of the Word with the Prayers of the Faithful.  Now, we turn to the second half of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

After Jesus’ Resurrection, in Luke 24:13-35, we hear of two disciples walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus.  There they encounter Jesus but do not recognize him.  He first spoke of what the scriptures foretold about the Messiah.  This parallels the Liturgy of the Word at Mass today.  Then Jesus broke bread with them.  This symbolizes the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

It is in the Liturgy of the Eucharist that God makes present the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross for us as the bread and wine are turned into the Body and Blood of Jesus.  Jesus gives us his very self on the Cross and in the Eucharist.

(In the past I have placed each week’s article on my website. Working with my webhosting company, a major overhaul of my website has just begun.  During this time, you can still see everything on my website. but I cannot add to it.  As soon as the overhaul is complete, I will update these articles there.)

Peace,

Fr. Jeff