3MC - Episode 39 - What is Holy Mass?

Summary

The video script explains the profound significance of Holy Mass, emphasizing its nature as a sacrificial act. It first delves into the concept of sacrifice, describing how it serves as an expression of devotion to God. The script then explores the Old Testament's sacrifices and the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It clarifies that while no further sacrifices are necessary, the Holy Mass re-presents Christ's sacrifice sacramentally, allowing believers to partake in the graces won by His death. The Mass is portrayed as the central act of salvation, far beyond just communal prayer.

Takeaways

• 😀 A sacrifice is an important expression of love, anger, or devotion, often symbolized through gestures or rituals in religion.
• 😀 Sacrifices are a way for humans to express that God holds the highest place in their lives, even though God does not need sacrifices.
• 😀 In the Old Testament, sacrifices were used both to honor God and to restore the proper order, especially in the case of sin.
• 😀 Examples of Old Testament sacrifices include those made by Abel, Abraham, Melchizedek, and others following the Mosaic Law.
• 😀 Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the perfect and final sacrifice, fulfilling the need for any further sacrifices in the New Covenant.
• 😀 The Holy Mass is referred to as the 'sacrifice of the Mass' because it makes the one, perfect sacrifice of Jesus present to us.
• 😀 During Holy Mass, bread and wine are consecrated and transformed into the body and blood of Christ, signifying his death on the cross.
• 😀 The separation of Jesus' body and blood during Mass symbolically represents his death, but he does not suffer again, as he is glorified.
• 😀 The Mass is a sacramental representation of Christ’s death, allowing us to partake in the graces won for us by his sacrifice.
• 😀 The central act of the Mass is not just communal prayer and hymns but the making present of Christ’s saving deed on the cross, applying salvation to us.
• 😀 The Holy Mass is special and unique because it enacts salvation and applies the effects of Christ’s sacrifice to us.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Holy Mass as discussed in the script?

The main focus of Holy Mass is not just communal prayer or singing hymns, but the sacramental representation of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, which brings the effects of His salvation to the faithful.

What is the significance of sacrifice in religious practice according to the script?

Sacrifice is a way of expressing internal sentiments, such as devotion to God. It shows that God holds the highest place in our lives, and although God does not need sacrifices, humanity does, as expressing what lies inside is part of human nature.

What role do sacrifices play in the Old Testament?

In the Old Testament, sacrifices were meant to express that God is first in life and to restore the proper order by atoning for sins, especially since humanity often places things above God.

How does the sacrifice of Jesus differ from the Old Testament sacrifices?

The sacrifice of Jesus is unique and perfect, given once for all on the cross. Unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament, His sacrifice fully restores the relationship between God and humanity, requiring no further sacrifices.

Why is Holy Mass referred to as a 'sacrifice'?

Holy Mass is referred to as a 'sacrifice' because it makes present the one perfect sacrifice of Christ, though it is not a new sacrifice. The Mass sacramentally represents Christ's death, allowing the faithful to share in the graces He won for them.

What happens to the bread and wine during Mass?

During Mass, the bread and wine are consecrated and transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. This sacramental change signifies Christ’s death, with the separation of His Body and Blood symbolizing His sacrifice on the cross.

Does Jesus suffer again during Mass?

No, Jesus does not suffer again during Mass. He is now glorified. However, the Mass is a sacramental representation of His death, which makes the graces of His sacrifice present to the faithful.

What is the role of Holy Mass in the salvation of believers?

Holy Mass plays a crucial role in the salvation of believers by enacting Christ’s sacrifice and applying its effects to those who participate. Through the Mass, the graces of Christ’s death are made accessible to the faithful.

What is the difference between the visible aspects of Mass (prayers and hymns) and its central purpose?

While prayers and hymns are important aspects of the Mass, the central purpose is the sacramental representation of Christ's death. This is the moment when the effects of His sacrifice are applied to the faithful, making it the core of the Mass.

Why is the concept of sacrifice so important in understanding Holy Mass?

Understanding sacrifice is crucial because the Holy Mass is not just a ritual but a participation in the perfect sacrifice of Christ. It allows believers to experience the spiritual and salvific effects of His death, which is the heart of the Mass.