BOTH/AND Perspectives at Mass

J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R.*

SOURCE:  http://www.catholicity.com/catechism/the_paschal_banquet.html

The Paschal Banquet

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified

Sacrifice and Sacrament (1382-1383)

The Mass is both the sacrificial memorial of the cross and a sacred banquet. The Eucharistic celebration is totally directed to the union of the faithful with Christ in Communion.

The altar is both the altar of sacrifice and the table of the Lord. It is the symbol of Christ himself present as both victim and food. "The altar represents the body of Christ and the Body of Christ is on the altar" (St. Ambrose).

The Roman Canon speaks of the offering "borne to your altar in heaven... so that we may receive in communion at this altar the most holy Body and Blood of your Son."  [both heavenly altar and the church altar]

Communion under both forms is a more complete sign of the Eucharistic meal. [both Body of Christ and Blood of Christ]

Brings about the Unity of the Mystical Body - By Communion, the person's baptismal incorporation into the Church is deepened. "Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread" (1 Cor 10:16-17). "You hear the words ‘the Body of Christ' and respond ‘Amen.' Be then a member of the Body of Christ that your Amen may be true" (St. Ambrose). [both]

Brings about the unity of Christians - "O sign of unity! O bond of charity." The painful experience of Church division which breaks common Eucharistic participation makes our prayers for unity even more urgent. [and]

Should we expect anything less
from Our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ
who is both fully God
and fully man?

Sincerely yours in Jesus through Mary,
Mike Rizzio

Imitate Mary
Become like Jesus
Live for the Triune God

Seek the Light of Our Lord Jesus Christ
See you on the High Ground!

* - J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R. stands for:
Jesus, Mary and Joseph;
O Beata Trinitas;
St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael