The Biblical Roots of the Mass

Consider the exchange between Jesus and Mary Magdalene on the day of his resurrection, when she recognizes him:

Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God” (John 20:16-17).
Thus, as great as Easter is—and indeed, Easter is the high point of the Church’s liturgical year—Jesus conveys to Mary that he has something left to do.

What could that be?

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When Did Jesus Finish His Sacrifice?

Protestants say ‘one and done.’ Catholics say the sacrifice continues forever. Which of these interpretations is the correct one?

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In part one of my series on the biblical roots of the Mass, we explored how Jesus’ one sacrifice of Calvary didn’t conclude on the cross, but rather culminated in everlasting glory in the heavenly sanctuary.

But how does Jesus’ one sacrifice become present here on earth at every Mass? That is, how—in the most profound fulfillment of the Lord’s Prayer—does “thy kingdom, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”? (Matt. 6:10).

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The Mass Beats the 4th of July

The events of 1776 are in the past. Even if we remember them, we cannot live them. But when the Mass happens, we relive the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

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In this final essay of the series, we will address the miracle of how Jesus can make his finite human body present in innumerable places—i.e., whenever and wherever the Church offers anew his one sacrifice in a sacramental manner, fulfilling Christ’s command, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19).

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How Jesus Appears at Every Mass

If Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist, how can he appear in eucharistic hosts all over the world at the same time? Here is the answer.

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