The Hidden Depths of the Mass #28

The Eucharistic Prayer – The Oblation

The greatest sacrifice ever offered is the sacrifice of Jesus freely giving his life for us on the Cross.  As Jesus says in John 15:13, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

The Eucharistic Prayers use both the terms “sacrifice” and “oblation.”  The sacrifice is the sacrifice of Jesus’ life.  We offer his sacrifice back to God our Father as an oblation.

What does Jesus’ Crucifixion have to do with the Eucharist?  Everything!  When Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper, He said, this is my Body which will be given up for you…this is my Blood which will be poured out for you.  By these words, Jesus makes our celebration of the Eucharist and his Crucifixion one.  Never forget that.