About the Mass Series: Names for Holy Mass.

About the Mass Series: 

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Names for Holy Mass.

OVERVIEW OF THE MASS PART 1

In the overview of the Mass of which there will be three parts, I will discuss:

1.            The names given to Holy Mass.

2.            The tabernacle.

3.            The Jewish roots for Holy Mass.

THE NAMES GIVEN TO HOLY MASS (Overview part 1)

Firstly, where does the name Holy Mass come from?  It is not a trick question. 'Ite, missa est' were the last words spoken by the priest when the Mass was said in Latin, meaning ‘Go you are dismissed’.  So, the action of being sent forth gave us the name Mass.

The Mass is also called the Eucharist, in action of thanking God, from the Greek word, eucharistein, meaning thanksgiving.  The richness of the Sacrament of the Eucharist is also expressed in their other different names.  The Mass is called variously-

1.            The Lord’s Supper, because of its connection with Last Supper, The Breaking of Bread, because Jesus used this rite, part of a Jewish meal, when as head of the table he blessed and distributed bread.

2.            The Eucharistic Assembly, because the Eucharist is celebrated amid the assembly of the faithful’; 

3.            The Memorial of the Lord’ passion and resurrection:  

4.            The Holy Sacrifice, because it makes present the one sacrifice of Christ the Saviour.

5.            The Divine Liturgy and the Sacred Mysteries, because the Church’s whole liturgy finds its centre and most intense expression in the celebration of this sacrament, and the Eucharist is also known as Holy Communion, because by this sacrament we unite ourselves to Christ, who makes us sharers in his Body to form a single body.

It is worthwhile to know these other names for Holy Mass as it helps us to appreciate it further and provides an explanation for these terms. Just as we need food for our bodies each day, we also need food for our souls at least once a week. Mass is celebrated daily everywhere in the world, so why not find out the times of Mas in your area and make a commitment to Jesus to attend Mass on Sunday and at weekday Masses.

Next week: Overview Part 2: The Tabernacle

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