The Mass as Sacrifice

"Isn't Christ's sacrifice 'once for all'? Why do Catholics offer Mass?"

4 Scripture passages2 objections answered2 Church Father quotes

The Short Answer

The Mass is not a new sacrifice but makes present the one sacrifice of Christ on Calvary. Catholics believe that at every Mass, we are brought to the foot of the cross—Christ's offering is made present across time and space.

Quick Overview

Imagine you could travel back in time and stand at the foot of the cross. At Mass, that's spiritually what happens—not a new sacrifice, but the SAME sacrifice made present here and now. The clock rolls back, and we're at Calvary. Jesus' one offering on the cross is so powerful it transcends time.

Biblical Evidence

What the Scriptures say

Malachi 1:11

"From the rising of the sun even to the going down, my name is great among the Gentiles, and in every place there is sacrifice, and there is offered to my name a clean oblation."

Why This Matters

Malachi prophesies a 'clean oblation' offered everywhere among the Gentiles. The Mass fulfills this—offered in every nation, every day.

1 Corinthians 10:16-21

"The chalice of benediction... is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?... You cannot be partakers of the table of the Lord, and of the table of devils."

Why This Matters

Paul compares the Eucharist to pagan sacrifices, calling it 'the table of the Lord.' The Lord's table involves sacrifice.

Hebrews 13:10

"We have an altar, whereof they have no power to eat who serve the tabernacle."

Why This Matters

Christians 'have an altar.' Altars are for sacrifice. The author of Hebrews affirms Christian sacrifice.

Luke 22:19

"This is my body, which is given for you: do this for a commemoration of me."

Why This Matters

'Do this' (Greek: touto poieite) can mean 'offer this.' Jesus commands the apostles to continue His sacrificial offering.

What the Church Teaches

Official Catholic doctrine

The Mass is the same sacrifice as Calvary—not repeated, but made present (CCC 1367). The victim is the same (Christ), the priest is the same (Christ, acting through the ordained minister). Only the manner of offering differs.

Common Objections

Questions answered

Early Church Fathers

What the first Christians believed

St. Irenaeus of Lyon

c. 180 AD

"He took that created thing, bread, and gave thanks... saying, 'This is my body.' And the cup likewise... He declared to be His blood. He has taught the new oblation of the new covenant."

— Against Heresies, 4:17:5

St. Cyril of Jerusalem

c. 350 AD

"We offer Christ who was slain for our sins, propitiating God, who loves mankind, for them as well as for ourselves."

— Catechetical Lectures, 23:10

Sign of Cross

Confirmation

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