
Unpacking Our Faith: Why Do We Celebrate Mass? Discovering Its Power and Purpose (Week 7)
by Rev. Emmanuel I. Ihemedu | 01/05/2025 | Live the LiturgyDo You Know What Happens during Consecration? After the Sanctus, the priest calls upon the Holy Spirit to transform the gifts of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. This sacred moment begins the narrative of the Last Supper, where Jesus took bread, blessed it, and said, “This is my body.”
The Eucharistic presence of Jesus is not static—it is active. Through the words of consecration, “This is the cup of my blood… it will be shed for you and for all so that sins may be forgiven,” Jesus offers Himself to the Father as a sacrifice to reconcile and heal the relationship between God and humanity.
Following the consecration, the congregation is invited to proclaim the Mystery of Faith. Rooted in the faith given at baptism, we affirm that Jesus died for our sins, rose from the dead, and will return in glory.
The Eucharistic Prayer continues as a prayer of offering. Jesus, who offered Himself for humanity, is now joined by the Church in prayers of intercession for the living and the dead. The priest raises the bread and wine, now the Body and Blood of Christ, as a gesture of offering. This moment symbolizes not only Christ’s self-gift to the Father but also our collective offering as His Body, the Church.
The prayer concludes with the congregation proclaiming a resounding Amen, professing belief in the reality of what has occurred. This prepares us to receive the Body and Blood of Christ in Holy Communion, uniting us with His perfect sacrifice.
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