As was shared last week, the Mass consists of two main parts, the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist, which together create a single act of worship. Our focus this week is on the Liturgy of the Eucharist, in which we are nourished by Jesus who is the Bread of Life.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist begins with the Preparation of the Gifts, including the Prayer over the Gifts. The two most important rites are the Eucharistic Prayer and the Communion Rite, each including many smaller prayers in between. As a matter of fact, on some occasions, a Hymn of Praise may be sung after Communion.
The high point of the entire Mass is the Eucharistic Prayer. It is through this Prayer that the priest offers himself and the congregation to God the Father, as part of the sacrifice of Jesus. It is also through this Prayer that the Holy Spirit through the ministerial priesthood consecrates the bread and wine, which become the Body and Blood of Christ. Although the majority of the Eucharistic Prayer is said by the priest, the congregation still plays a very important role. The congregation listens to the Eucharistic Prayer with great respect and conscious participation and makes responses throughout the Prayer.
The Communion Rite is centered on the congregation receiving the Body of Christ, consecrated during the Eucharistic Prayer. By participating in the Mass, we are expressing that we are united with Jesus and to each other. By receiving Communion, we are creating a physical sign of this unity. We also receive spiritual nourishment from the Sacrament (Eucharist) which deepens our faith, increases our love, imparts to us the new life of the resurrection, and strengthens our unity with all the faithful.
By instituting the Eucharist at the Last Supper, Jesus created the way for the Paschal Sacrifice to be constantly present. In the Eucharistic Prayer, we learn that we are also celebrating with the whole Church, both on earth and in Heaven. The Liturgy of the Eucharist is our participation in Jesus’ own sacrifice, together with all the faithful, in all places and in all times.
It is my hope that we now have a better understanding of what Liturgy means, and the two main parts of the Mass – the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Thank you and May God Bless Us All.