Where is the Mass in the Bible?

As usual, the word “mass” is not in the Bible. This is starting to get monotonous, right? Why aren’t any Catholic Doctrines named in the Bible?

They are. But they had different names then. The Catholic Church was known as "the Way". Purgatory was described as a spiritual prison which as yet, had no name. The Mass, was known as the Assembly, the Lord’s Supper, the Eucharistic feast and the Breaking of Bread.

Ok, so back to the topic. The word, “mass” is not in the Bible. But you will find it under other names and also by the description. It looks the same today as it did then.

The Mass is the Christian gathering to worship God.

To me, the most explicit reference to the Mass is in the tenth chapter of the book of Hebrews where it says:

Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

If you’re Catholic, you know that the Mass is our public gathering to worship God. And we worship God in a very particular way, by celebrating the Eucharist. You see both elements here.

First, St. Paul warns us not to forsake the Assembly.

Then, he explains that forsaking the Assembly is the equivalent of insulting God because we neglect the Eucharist. He doesn’t use the word, Eucharist, but says that we tread underfoot the Son of God and deem His Blood unworthy. The Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. So, can anyone deny that St. Paul is making a reference to the Eucharist? And if this is the Eucharist, then the Assembly that he is talking about is the Mass.

The Mass is the Christian Passover

1 Corinthians 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

The key words here are, “let us keep the feast”. St. Paul is talking about the Eucharistic Feast. The Christian Passover, not the Jewish Passover.

In the Mass, we feast on the Eucharist, which is the Body and Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

The Mass is the Lord’s Supper

1 Corinthians 11:20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper…..23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

The Mass is the breaking of Bread

Luke 24:28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. 29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. 30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. 32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? 33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, 34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. 35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

And that’s where you find the Mass in the Bible.