3MC - Episode 40 - What are the parts of the Mass?

Summary

The Holy Mass is traditionally divided into the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist, focusing on Bible readings and Jesus' presence in the Eucharist. Additionally, St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross observed a three-stage spiritual progression in Mass: purification, illumination, and union with God, reflecting the stages of Christian spiritual life.

Takeaways

• 📖 The Holy Mass is divided into two main parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
• 📜 The Liturgy of the Word includes readings from the Bible and the Gospels, focusing on Jesus and God's revelation in Salvation history.
• 🙏 The readings help believers to know God more deeply and teach them to lead a good and upright life in Christ.
• 🍞 The Liturgy of the Eucharist centers on the Word of God incarnate, Jesus, who becomes truly present on the altar under the species of bread and wine.
• 🔄 Another way to divide the Holy Mass includes three stages: purification, illumination, and union with God.
• 👫 Saints Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross observed that these three stages parallel the spiritual life and occur during Mass.
• 🛐 At the beginning of Mass, the theme of purification is emphasized through prayers like the 'I Confess' and the 'Lord Have Mercy.'
• 🌟 The readings from Holy Scripture illuminate the mystery of God and faith, shedding light on the believers.
• ✝️ On the altar, Jesus becomes present, and believers can receive Him in Holy Communion, symbolizing union with God.
• 🏫 Holy Mass serves as a school for Christian life, teaching the stages of spiritual progression: purification, illumination, and union with God.

Q & A

What are the two main parts of the Holy Mass?

The two main parts of the Holy Mass are the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

What is the focus of the Liturgy of the Word?

The focus of the Liturgy of the Word is on readings from the Bible and the Gospels, which help us know God deeper and teach us to lead a good and upright life in Christ.

What central place do the Gospels hold in the Liturgy of the Word?

The Gospels hold a central place in the readings during the Liturgy of the Word because they speak about Jesus.

What is the Liturgy of the Eucharist about?

The Liturgy of the Eucharist revolves around the Word of God incarnate, made flesh in Jesus, who is truly present on the altar under the species of bread and wine.

What is another way to divide the Holy Mass, as observed by St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross?

Another way to divide the Holy Mass is into three stages: purification, illumination, and union with God.

How does the beginning of the Mass reflect the theme of purification?

At the beginning of the Mass, the theme of purification is reflected in the prayer 'I confess to Almighty God' and the singing of the Curie or 'Lord have mercy.'

What happens during the illumination stage of the Holy Mass?

During the illumination stage of the Holy Mass, the readings from Holy Scripture shed light on the mystery of God and our faith.

What signifies the union with God during the Holy Mass?

Union with God during the Holy Mass is signified by the presence of Jesus on the altar and receiving Him in Holy Communion.

Why is the Holy Mass considered the best school for our Christian life according to the script?

The Holy Mass is considered the best school for our Christian life because it encompasses the stages of purification, illumination, and union with God, mirroring our spiritual life progression.

What is the significance of purification, illumination, and union with God in the context of the Mass?

The significance of purification, illumination, and union with God in the context of the Mass is that they represent the stages of spiritual growth and experience during the Mass, similar to the stages of Christian spiritual life.