What is sacrificed at the Mass?
The idea of making sacrifices to God is somewhat foreign in today’s culture, but the Mass is filled with sacrifices nonetheless. The congregation offers bread and wine at the altar as a sacrifice that returns to God some of his own bountiful creation. Each person also has the opportunity to sacrifice money, which truly is the fruit of our human labor. we return to God what He has given to us. Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross once for all people living before, during, or after the Crucifixion. Thus, the Mass does not repeat that sacrifice, but re-presents it. (Video length 15 minutes)
Questions for Reflection:
- What is the purpose of religious sacrifice?
- How do you participate in the sacrifices of the Mass?
- Does God need our sacrifices? Why or why not? What does he do with them?