The Mass: A study of the roman liturgy

The Mass: A study of the roman liturgy

The Mass is not a mere remembrance of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. It is the commemoration of that sacrifice, just as Calvary was the actual place where it took place. In performing the Holy Sacrifice in memory of Jesus’ death on Calvary, we are accomplishing an eternal act which has its beginning and its end in eternity. The Mass is sacred because it brings us into contact with eternity. This is what distinguishes the Holy Sacrifice from all other offerings and commemorations of Divine worship; for other religious ceremonies have their beginning and end in time like any other human act. The Holy Sacrifice, on the contrary, has both its beginning and its end in eternity; it is a participation in an eternal act which transcends all time.