As we go through the Consecration at Mass

As we go through the Consecration at Mass

How common it becomes at Mass to let the words of the priest, during the consecration, role off our mind without much adherence to what they mean.  It’s just another series of words that will end soon and then we will get in line for holy communion.  Unfortunately for doubters the Liturgy of the Eucharist is a very deep and encompassing sharing of the Easter Triduum, the most holy portion of the Paschal Mystery.  If we were celebrating Mass during the Easter Triduum our attention might seem more important to those who otherwise are just waiting for Mass to end.

“I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for I tell you, I shall not eat it again until there is fulfillment in the kingdom of God.  Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and said, Take this and share it among yourselves; for I tell you from this time on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”  

“Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.”  At that very moment the priest stands in the place of Jesus, who is being nailed to the cross.  This is called the Collapse of Time.

“And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you.”  Again, as in the bread, at that very moment the priest stands in the place of Jesus, who on the cross has died, shedding his precious blood.  This is the Collapse of Time.   

(Lk. 22: 15 - 19) 

The events just mentioned are real, with Jesus being crucified at the exact words of the priest, who is really Jesus speaking the same words as he is nailed and dies on the cross.  You see, this event never expires since with God there is no time in eternity.  

To place that truth in perspective, the Transfiguration was real as the Risen and Glorified Christ was speaking with Moses and Elijah after his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension.  Peter, James, and John saw the future there.  

Do you think the Mass is another obligatory event that is just another memorial of something that occurred 2,000 years ago?  Absolutely not.  Each Mass you attend is a living time of the Paschal Mystery and the Easter Triduum occurring all over.  This needs to be mentioned catechetically to all those who do not understand what the Mass is all about.  It occurs all over at each Mass.  

Ralph B. Hathaway, The Holy Mass is alive and we share its realism.