The Mass in Scripture

THE INTRODUCTORY RITES

GREETING OF THE ASSEMBLED PEOPLE
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Spirit.”
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (Mt 28:19)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the
love of God, and the communion of the fellowship of the holy Spirit be with all of you.” (2 Cor 13:13)
Holy Spirit be with you all. “…to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. Grace to
you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Grace to you and peace from God our (Rom 1:7; cf. 1 Cor 1:3; Gal 1:3; Col 1:2; 1 Thess 1:1; Rev 1:4)
Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. “Soon, along came Boaz from Bethlehem and said to the harvesters,
‘The LORD be with you,’ and they replied, ‘The LORD bless you.’”
The Lord be with you. (Ruth 2:4; cf. cf. Jdg 6:12; 2 Chr 15:2; Lk 1:28)
And with your spirit. “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers.
Amen.” (Gal 6:18) “The LORD be with your spirit.” (2 Tim 4:22)

THE PENITENTIAL ACT

“If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive
Brethren, let us acknowledge our sins, and our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing.” (1 Jn 1:9)
so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred
mysteries. “Therefore, confess your sins to one another…” (Jas 5:16)
“Then David said to God, ‘I have sinned greatly in doing this
I confess to almighty God and to you, my thing’” (1 Chr 21:8) in my thoughts (2 Cor 10:5, Mt 5:28, Phil 4:8),
brothers and sisters, that I have greatly in my words (Jas 3:5), failed to do (Jas 4:17, Lk 10:30-32).
sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in “the tax collector… would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat
what I have done and in what I have failed his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’” (Lk 18:13)
to do, [striking their breast] through my
“O LORD… hear the prayer of thy servant… confessing the sins of
fault, through my fault, through my most the people of Israel, which we have sinned against thee. Yea, I and
grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed my father’s house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly
Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and against thee, and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and
Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to the ordinances which thou didst command thy servant Moses.” (Neh
pray for me to the Lord our God. 1:5-7) “Brothers, pray for us.” (1 Thess 5:25)

Have mercy on us, O Lord. For we have “Hear, LORD, and have mercy, for you are a merciful God; have
sinned against you. mercy on us, who have sinned against you.” (Bar 3:2)
“Let us see, O LORD, your mercy, and grant us your salvation.”
Show us, O Lord, your mercy. And grant (Ps 85:8)
us your salvation.
You were sent to heal the contrite of heart: “[The LORD] heals the brokenhearted; he binds up all their
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. wounds,” (Ps 147:3); “He has sent me to bring good news to the
afflicted, to bind up the brokenhearted…” (Is 61:1)
You came to call sinners: “Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” (Mt
9:13)
You are seated at the right hand of the
“It is Christ [Jesus] who died, rather, was raised, who also is at the
Father to intercede for us: right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us” (Rom 8:34; cf.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Eph 1:19-20; Col 3:1; Heb 1:3, 7:25)

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 May almighty God have mercy on us, “If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive
forgive us our sins, and bring us to our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing.” (1 Jn 1:9)
everlasting life. Amen.
THE KYRIE ELEISON [If not in Penitential Act] “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” (Mt 9:27, cf. Mk 10:46-48)
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David, my daughter is
severely possessed by a demon.” (Mt 15:22) “Lord, have mercy on
Lord, have mercy. my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly.” (Mt 17:15)
BLESSING AND SPRINKLING OF WATER
Dear brethren, let us humbly beseech the “I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean
from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse
Lord our God to bless this water he has you. A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within
created, which will be sprinkled on us as a you; and I will take out of your flesh the heart of stone and give you
memorial of our Baptism. May he help us a heart of flesh.” (Ezek 36:25-26)
by his grace to remain faithful to the Spirit “And thus you shall do to them, to cleanse them: sprinkle the water
we have received… of expiation upon them…” (Num 8:7a, cf. Heb 10:22)

THE GLORIA IN EXCELSIS

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on
whom his favor rests.” (Lk 2:14)
peace to people of good will. We praise
you, we bless you, we adore you, we “Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanksgiving, honor and power
glorify you, we give you thanks for your and might be to our God forever and ever.” (Rev 7:12)
great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O “The Lord has established his reign, our God the almighty.” (Rev
God, almighty Father. 19:6)

Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord “from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son in truth and love.” (2 Jn 3)
God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”
take away the sins of the world, have mercy (Jn 1:29)
on us; you take away the sins of the world, “It is Christ [Jesus] who died, rather, was raised, who also is at the
receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us” (Rom 8:34)
right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.
For you alone are the Holy One, you alone “For you alone are holy.” (Rev 15:4)
are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, “Let them know that you alone, you whose name is the LORD, are
Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the the Most High over all the earth.” (Ps 83:19)
glory of God the Father. Amen. “the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name” (Jn 14:26)

COLLECT

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

ACCLAMATION AFTER THE READINGS “…the word of the Lord abides for ever.” (1 Pet 1:25) “Thanks be
to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Rom 7:25; cf. 1 Cor 15:57)
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
“‘Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips, living
PRIEST’S PREPARATION BEFORE GOSPEL among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the
Cleanse my heart and my lips, almighty LORD of hosts!’ Then one of the seraphim flew to me, holding an
God, that I may worthily proclaim your ember which he had taken with tongs from the altar. He touched my
mouth with it. ‘See,’ he said, ‘now that this has touched your lips,
holy Gospel. your wickedness is removed, your sin purged.’” (Is 6:5-7)
ACCLAMATION BEFORE THE GOSPEL “the voice of a great multitude… crying, ‘Hallelujah! For the Lord
Alleluia! our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him

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 [During Lent: Praise to you, Lord Jesus the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come…’” (Rev 19:6-7)
Christ, King of endless glory! “Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that
the King of glory may come in.” (Ps 24:7; cf. Rev 1:5-6)
Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus Christ!
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and
Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!] wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (Rev 5:12)

PROFESSION OF FAITH
I believe in one God, the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth, of all things “For in him all things were created all things in heaven and on
earth, the visible and the invisible.” (Col 1:16)
visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God, “No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of
the Father, he has made him known.” (Jn 1:18)
born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light, “…and the Word was God.” (Jn 1:1)
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, “All things came to be through him, and without him nothing
consubstantial with the Father; came to be.” (Jn 1:3)
through him all things were made. “No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down
For us men and for our salvation from heaven, the Son of Man.” (Jn 3:13)
he came down from heaven, “And the angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and by the Holy Spirit and the power of the Most High will overshadow you’” (Lk 1:35)
was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (Jn 1:14)
and became man.
“Then he [Pontius Pilate] handed him over to them to be
For our sake he was crucified
crucified.” (Jn 19:16)
under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered death and was buried, “…that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures;
that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in
and rose again on the third day accordance with the scriptures;” (1 Cor 15:3-4)
in accordance with the Scriptures.
“…he departed from them and was taken up to heaven.” (Lk 24:51)
He ascended into heaven “…where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.” (Col 3:1)
and is seated at the right hand of the Father. “the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (2 Thess 2:1) “…who
He will come again in glory will judge the living and the dead.” (2 Tim 4:1; cf. Acts 10:42)
to judge the living and the dead “…he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his
and his kingdom will have no end. kingdom there will be no end.” (Lk 1:33)

I believe in the Holy Spirit, “Now the Lord is the Spirit…” (2 Cor 3:17)
“…for the written code kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2 Cor 3:6)
the Lord, the giver of life,
“…the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father.” (Jn 15:26)
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son “for no prophecy ever came through human will; but rather human
beings moved by the holy Spirit spoke under the influence of
is adored and glorified, God.” (2 Pt 1:21; cf. 1 Pt 1:10-11)
who has spoken through the prophets.
“…the household of God, which is the church of the living God,
I believe in one, holy, the pillar and bulwark of the truth.” (1 Tim 3:15; cf. Mt 28:18-20)
catholic and apostolic Church.
“There is one body and one Spirit, …one Lord, one faith,
I confess one Baptism one baptism, one God and Father of us all…” (Eph 4:4-6)
for the forgiveness of sins and I look “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins; and
forward to the resurrection of the dead you will receive the gift of the holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
and the life of the world to come. “For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his,
Amen. we shall also be united with him in the resurrection.” (Rom 6:5)

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

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 THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
THE PREPARATION OF THE GIFTS “David blessed the LORD in the presence of all the assembly; and
David said: ‘Blessed art thou, O LORD, the God of Israel our
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, father, for ever and ever.’ (1 Chr 29:10; cf. Ps 89:52; Rom 9:5)
for through your goodness we have
“From thy lofty abode thou waterest the mountains; the earth is
received the bread we offer you: satisfied with the fruit of thy work. Thou dost cause the grass to
fruit of the earth and work of human hands, grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate, that he may
it will become for us the bread of life. bring forth food from the earth, and wine to gladden the heart of
Blessed be God forever. man… and bread to strengthen man’s heart.” (Ps 104:13-15)
“Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being
patient over it until it receives the early and the late rain.” (Jas 5:7)
“I am the bread of life.” (Jn 6:48)

Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, “I tell you, from now on I shall not drink this fruit of the vine until
for through your goodness we have the day when I drink it with you new in the kingdom of my Father.”
(Mt 26:29; cf. Lk 22:18)
received the wine we offer you:
fruit of the vine and work of human hands, “and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they drank from a
it will become our spiritual drink. spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was the Christ.”
(1 Cor 10:4)
Blessed be God forever.
PRIVATE PRAYERS OF THE PRIEST
With humble spirit and contrite heart “But with contrite heart and humble spirit let us be received…
may we be accepted by you, O Lord, So let our sacrifice be in your presence today and find favor
and may our sacrifice in your sight this day before you.” (Dan 3:39-40)
be pleasing to you, Lord God.
Wash me, O Lord, from my iniquity “Wash me completely from my iniquity, and cleanse me from
my sin.” (Ps 51:4)
and cleanse me from my sin.
INVITATION TO PRAY
Pray, brethren, that my sacrifice and yours “…let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and
may be acceptable to God, the almighty awe.” (Heb 12:28)
Father.
May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your “Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his
hands for the praise and glory of his name, name; give to him glorious praise!” (Ps 66:1-2)
for our good and the good of all his holy
Church.
PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
The Lord be with you.
And with your spirit. “Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven” (Lam 3:41)
“Seek the things that are above where Christ is, seated at the right
Lift up your hearts. hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things
We lift them up to the Lord. that are on earth.” (Col 3:1-2)

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
It is right and just. (Col 3:17)

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 PREFACE FOR EUCHARISTIC PRAYER II
It is truly right and just, our duty and
salvation, always and everywhere to give “He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred
you thanks, Father most holy, through your us to the kingdom of his beloved Son…” (Col 1:13)
beloved Son, Jesus Christ, your Word “All things came to be through him…” (Jn 1:3)
through whom you made all things, whom
“But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son,
you sent as our Savior and Redeemer,
born of woman…” (Gal 4:4) Virgin birth (Mt 1:18; Lk 1:26-35)
incarnate by the Holy Spirit and born of the
Virgin. “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
Fulfilling your will God’s own people…” (1 Pet 2:9)
and gaining for you a holy people, “I spread out my hands all the day to a rebellious people, who
he stretched out his hands walk in a way that is not good...” (Is 65:2; cf. Rom 10:21)
as he endured his Passion, “…our Savior Christ Jesus… abolished death and brought life
so as to break the bonds of death and immortality to light through the gospel.” (2 Tim 1:10)
and manifest the resurrection. “…that through death he might destroy him who has the power of
And so, with the Angels and all the Saints death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of
death were subject to lifelong bondage.” (Heb 2:14-15)
we declare your glory, as with one voice
we acclaim:
SANCTUS “the four living creatures… never cease to sing, ‘Holy, holy, holy, is
the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!’” (Rev 4:8)
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory. “…the seraphim… One cried out to the other: ‘Holy, holy, holy is
the LORD of hosts! All the earth is filled with his glory!’” (Is 6:3)
Hosanna in the highest.
“The crowds preceding him and those following kept crying out and
Blessed is he who comes
saying: ‘Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in
in the name of the Lord. the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.’” (Mt 21:9; cf. Mk
Hosanna in the highest. 11:9-10)
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER II
“so now, O holy One, Lord of all holiness, keep undefiled for ever
Thanksgiving & Epiclesis this house that has been so recently purified.” (2 Macc 14:36)
You are indeed Holy, O Lord, “When the dew fell… in the night, the manna fell with it.” (Num 11:9)
the fount of all holiness.
“…in the morning dew lay round about the camp. And when the dew
Make holy, therefore, these gifts, had gone up, there was on the face of the wilderness a fine, flake-like
we pray, by sending down your Spirit thing, fine as hoarfrost on the ground… And Moses said to them, ‘It is
upon them like the dewfall, the bread which the LORD has given you to eat.’” (Ex 16:13ff)
so that they may become for us “Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is
the Body and Blood the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat of it
and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven”
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Jn 6:49-51)

Institution Narrative & Consecration

At the time he was betrayed and entered “‘Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.’” (Mt 26:21)
willingly into his Passion, he took bread “I lay down my life, that I may take it again. No one takes it from
and, giving thanks, broke it, and gave it to me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” (Jn 10:17-18)
his disciples, saying: “And he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND EAT OF IT, FOR and gave it to them, saying” (Lk 22:19)
THIS IS MY BODY, WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP “‘This is my body which is given for you…’” (Lk 22:19)
FOR YOU. “‘Take, eat; this is my body.’” (Mt 26:26; cf. Mk 14:22)

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 In a similar way, when supper was ended, “And likewise the chalice after supper, saying…” (Lk 22:20)
he took the chalice and, once more giving “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant…”
thanks, he gave it to his disciples, saying: (Mt 26:27-28)

TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND DRINK FROM “This chalice which is poured out for you is the new covenant in
my blood.” (Lk 22:20) “blood of the eternal covenant” (Heb 13:20)
IT, FOR THIS IS THE CHALICE OF MY BLOOD,
THE BLOOD OF THE NEW AND ETERNAL “…which is poured out for many” (Mk 14:24; cf. Is 52:13-53:12)
COVENANT, WHICH WILL BE POURED OUT “poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Mt 26:28)
FOR YOU AND FOR MANY FOR THE
“This chalice is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as
FORGIVENESS OF SINS. DO THIS IN MEMORY you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Cor 11:25; cf. Lk 22:19)
OF ME.
Memorial Acclamation
The mystery of faith. “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of our religion.”
(1 Tim 3:16)
We proclaim your Death, O Lord, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the chalice, you
and profess your Resurrection proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.” (1 Cor 11:26)
until you come again.
“If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in
When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be
we proclaim your Death, O Lord, saved.” (Rom 10:9)
until you come again.
Save us, Saviour of the world, “…we know that this is truly the saviour of the world.” (Jn 4:42)
for by your Cross and Resurrection
you have set us free.
Anamnesis, Oblation and second Epiclesis
Therefore, as we celebrate the memorial of
his Death and Resurrection, we offer you, “I am the bread of life.” (Jn 6:35,48) “How shall I make a return to
the Lord for all the good He has done for me? I will lift up the
Lord, the Bread of life and the Chalice of chalice of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.” (Ps 116:12f)
salvation, giving thanks that you have held
“At that time the Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of
us worthy to be in your presence and
the covenant of the Lord, to stand before the Lord to minister to
minister to you. him and to bless in his name.” (Dt 10:8; cf. Dt 18:5,7)
Humbly we pray that, partaking of the “…that Jesus should die for the nation, and not for the nation only,
Body and Blood of Christ, we may be but to gather into one the children of God who are scattered
gathered into one by the Holy Spirit. abroad.” (Jn 11:51-52)

Concluding Intercessions
Remember, Lord, your Church, spread
throughout the world, and bring her to the “…and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love.” (1 Jn 4:18)
fullness of charity, together with N. our
“For if he were not expecting that those who had fallen would rise
Pope and N. our Bishop and all the clergy. again, it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the
[In Masses for the Dead: dead. But if he was looking to the splendid reward that is laid up for
those who fall asleep in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought.
Remember your servant N., whom you Therefore he made atonement for the dead, that they might be
have called (today) from this world to delivered from their sin.” (2 Macc 12:45-46)
yourself. Grant that he (she) who was “For if we have grown into union with him through a death like
united with your Son in a death like his, his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection.” (Rom
may also be one with him in his 6:5)
Resurrection.]

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 Remember also our brothers and sisters “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so,
who have fallen asleep in the hope of the through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen
asleep.” (1 Thes 4:14)
resurrection, and all who have died in your
mercy: welcome them into the light of your “How blessed the people… who walk, O LORD, in the light of your
face.” (Ps 89:16)
face.
Have mercy on us all, we pray, that with
the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God,
with the blessed Apostles, and all the “When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is the Spirit himself bearing
Saints who have pleased you throughout witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children,
the ages, we may merit to be coheirs to then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we
suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.”
eternal life, and may praise and glorify you (Rom 8:15b-17)
through your Son, Jesus Christ.
Concluding Doxology “For from him [God] and through him and to him are all things.
To him be glory for ever. Amen.” (Rom 11:36)
Through him, and with him, and in him,
O God, almighty Father, “to the only wise God be glory for evermore through Jesus Christ!
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, Amen.” (Rom 16:27) “Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in
the bond of peace.” (Eph 4:3)
all glory and honour is yours,
for ever and ever. “Worthy art thou, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor
and power…” (Rev 4:11; cf. Eph 3:20-21)

Amen. “And all the people answered, ‘Amen. Amen.’” (Neh 8:6)
(cf. Ps 41:13; Rom 16:27; Heb 13:20-21; Rev 7:12)

THE LORD’S PRAYER

At the Saviour’s command and formed by
divine teaching, we dare to say:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed “Pray then like this: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be
be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our
done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us
debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors; and lead us not into
this day our daily bread, and forgive us our temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Mt 6:9-13; cf. Lk 11:2-4)
trespasses, as we forgive those who
trespass against us; and lead us not into
temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, “…that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men; for not all
graciously grant peace in our days, have faith. But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard
you from evil.” (2 Thes 3:2-3)
that, by the help of your mercy,
“To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood
we may be always free from sin and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be
and safe from all distress, glory and dominion for ever and ever.” (Rev 1:5-6)
as we await the blessed hope “as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the
and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. great God and of our savior Jesus Christ.” (Tit 2:13)

For the kingdom, the power and the glory This doxology is in some manuscripts after Mt 6:13, but not in the
are yours now and for ever. earliest manuscripts. It is also present in the Didache (late 1st cen.):
“For the power and the glory are yours forever” (Didache 8.2).
“to the only God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be
glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now
and for ever. Amen.” (Jude 25)

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 THE RITE OF PEACE
Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your
Apostles: Peace I leave you, my peace I “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” (Jn 14:27)
give you; look not on our sins, but on the
faith of your Church, and graciously grant
her peace and unity in accordance with
your will. Who live and reign for ever and
ever. Amen.
“Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.”
The peace of the Lord be with you always (Jn 20:21)
And with your spirit.
“Greet one another with a holy kiss.” (Rom 16:16; cf. 1 Cor
Let us offer each other the sign of peace. 16:20; 2 Cor 13:12; 1 Thes 5:26; 1 Pet 5:14)

THE FRACTION OF THE BREAD “The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of
Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body,
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the for we all partake of the one bread.” (1 Cor 10:16-17)
world, have mercy on us. “…he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the God, who takes away the sin of the world.’” (Jn 1:29)
world, have mercy on us. “I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads…, saying with
a loud voice, ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain’” (Rev 5:11-12)
world, grant us peace.
COMMINGLING
“So Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the
May this mingling of the Body and Blood flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you;
of our Lord Jesus Christ bring eternal life he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I
to us who receive it. will raise him up at the last day.’” (Jn 6:53-54)

PRIVATE PRAYER OF THE PRIEST

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God,
who, by the will of the Father and the work
of the Holy Spirit, through your Death gave
“…and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my
life to the world, free me by this, your most flesh.” (Jn 6:51)
holy Body and Blood, from all my sins and
from every evil; keep me always faithful to
your commandments, and never let me be
parted from you. Or:
May the receiving of your Body and Blood,
Lord Jesus Christ, not bring me to “For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats
judgment and condemnation, but through and drinks judgment upon himself.” (1 Cor 11:29)
your loving mercy be for me protection in
mind and body and a healing remedy.
COMMUNION “‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the
world.’” (Jn 1:29)
Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who
“Then the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who
takes away the sins of the world. Blessed have been called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.’” (Rev 19:9)
are those called to the supper of the Lamb. “…the centurion sent friends to tell [Jesus], ‘Lord, do not trouble
Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof.
under my roof, but only say the word and Therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say
my soul shall be healed. the word and let my servant be healed.’” (Lk 7:6-7; cf. Mt 8:8)

Companions of the Cross 8 The Mass in Scripture

 PRIVATE PRAYERS OF PREPARATION
May the Body of Christ keep me safe for “So Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the
eternal life. flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you;
he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I
May the Blood of Christ keep me safe for will raise him up at the last day.’” (Jn 6:53-54)
eternal life.
DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNION
The Body of Christ. Amen.
PURIFICATION OF THE VESSELS
What has passed our lips as food, O Lord,
may we possess in purity of heart, that
what has been given to us in time may be
our healing for eternity.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

THE CONCLUDING RITES

FINAL BLESSING
The Lord be with you.
And with your spirit.
[In Masses with a Bishop: “May the name of the LORD be blest both now and
Blessed be the name of the Lord. forevermore.” (Ps 113:2)
Now and for ever. “Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and
Our help is in the name of the Lord. earth.” (Ps 124:8)
Who made heaven and earth.]
“Then he [Jesus] led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his
May almighty God bless you, the Father, hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from
and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. them…” (Luke 24:50-51)

DISMISSAL
“As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” (Jn 20:21)
Go forth, the Mass is ended.
“And he [Jesus] said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach
Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord. the gospel to the whole creation.’” (Mk 16:15)
Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your “whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor 10:31; cf. 1
life. Pet 4:11)

Go in peace. Thanks be to God. “[Jesus] said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.’”
(Lk 7:50) “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” (2 Cor 9:15)

Companions of the Cross 9 The Mass in Scripture

 EUCHARISTIC PRAYER I
Plea for acceptance
To you, therefore, most merciful Father, we “accept this sacrifice on behalf of all thy people Israel and
make humble prayer and petition through preserve thy portion and make it holy.” (2 Mac 1:26)
Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord: that you “For if… the blood of goats and bulls… sanctifies, how much more
accept and bless these gifts, these offerings, shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered
these holy and unblemished sacrifices, himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead
works to serve the living God.” (Heb 9:13-14; cf. 1 Pet 1:18-19)
Commendation of the Church
which we offer you firstly for your holy
catholic Church. Be pleased to grant her “that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in
peace, to guard, unite and govern her thee…” (Jn 17:21)
throughout the whole world, together with Jesus speaking to the Apostles: “When the Spirit of truth comes, he
your servant N. our Pope and N. our Bishop, will guide you into all the truth” (Jn 16:13)
and all those who, holding to the truth, hand “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and
on the catholic and apostolic faith. fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” (Acts 2:42)

Commemoration of the Living

Remember, Lord, your servants N. and N. and “Remember me, O LORD, when thou showest favor to thy people;
all gathered here, whose faith and devotion are help me when thou deliverest them.” (Ps 106:4)
known to you. For them, we offer you this “Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise
sacrifice of praise or they offer it for to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.” (Heb
themselves and all who are dear to them: for 13:15)
the redemption of their souls, in hope of health
and well-being, and paying their homage to “But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God and the
you, the eternal God, living and true. everlasting King.” (Jer 10:10)
Naming of the Saints
In communion with those whose memory
we venerate, especially the glorious ever- “And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should
Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord, come to me?” (Lk 1:43)
Jesus Christ, and blessed Joseph, her
Spouse, your blessed Apostles and Martyrs, “And when it was day, he called his disciples, and chose from them
Peter and Paul, Andrew, (James, John, twelve, whom he named apostles; Simon, whom he named Peter,
Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and
Matthew, Simon and Jude; Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of
Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, and Judas [Jude]
Linus, Cletus, Clement, Sixtus, Cornelius, the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.”
Cyprian, Lawrence, Chrysogonus, John and (Lk 6:13-16; cf. Mt 10:2-4; Mk 3:14-19)
Paul, Cosmas and Damian) and all your
Saints; we ask that through their merits and “the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down
prayers, in all things we may be defended by before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and with golden bowls full
your protecting help. of incense, which are the prayers of the saints;” (Rev 5:8)

Prayer of Offering
Therefore, Lord, we pray: graciously accept “[The Son of Man] will separate… the sheep from the goats, and he
this oblation of our service, that of your will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left… And
whole family; order our days in your peace, they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into
eternal life.” (Mt 25:31-33,46)
and command that we be delivered from

Companions of the Cross 10 The Mass in Scripture

eternal damnation and counted among the “I know my own and my own know me… So there shall be one
flock of those you have chosen. flock, one shepherd.” (Jn 10:14,16)

Consecratory Epiclesis
Be pleased, O God, we pray, to bless, “…to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable
to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Pet 2:5) “God is spirit, and those
acknowledge, and approve this offering in who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (Jn 4:24)
every respect; make it spiritual and
“I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to
acceptable, so that it may become for us the present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to
Body and Blood of your most beloved Son, God, which is your spiritual [Gk. Logikos = ‘rational’] worship.”
our Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom 12:1)

Institution Narrative & Consecration

On the day before he was to suffer, he took
bread in his holy and venerable hands, and “…taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven,
with eyes raised to heaven to you, O God, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples…” (Mt
his almighty Father, giving you thanks, he 14:19; cf. Mk 6:41; Lk 9:16)
said the blessing, broke the bread and gave it “And he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it
to his disciples, saying: and gave it to them, saying” (Lk 22:19)
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND EAT OF IT, FOR “‘This is my body which is given for you…’” (Lk 22:19)
THIS IS MY BODY, WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP “‘Take, eat; this is my body.’” (Mt 26:26; cf. Mk 14:22)
FOR YOU.

In a similar way, when supper was ended, he “And likewise the chalice after supper, saying…” (Lk 22:20)
took this precious chalice in his holy and
venerable hands, and once more giving you
thanks, he said the blessing and gave the “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant…”
(Mt 26:27-28)
chalice to his disciples, saying:
“This chalice which is poured out for you is the new covenant in
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND DRINK FROM IT, my blood.” (Lk 22:20) “blood of the eternal covenant” (Heb 13:20)
FOR THIS IS THE CHALICE OF MY BLOOD, THE
“…which is poured out for many” (Mk 14:24; cf. Is 52:13-53:12)
BLOOD OF THE NEW AND ETERNAL
COVENANT, WHICH WILL BE POURED OUT FOR “poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Mt 26:28)
YOU AND FOR MANY FOR THE FORGIVENESS “This chalice is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as
OF SINS. DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME. you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Cor 11:25; cf. Lk 22:19)

Memorial Acclamation
Anamnesis, Oblation & Plea for acceptance
Therefore, O Lord, as we celebrate the
memorial of the blessed Passion, the
Resurrection from the dead, and the glorious
Ascension into heaven of Christ, your Son,
our Lord, we, your servants and your holy “You were ransomed… with the precious blood of Christ, like that
of a lamb without blemish or spot.” (1 Pet 1:18-19; cf. Heb 9:13f)
people, offer to your glorious majesty from
the gifts that you have given us, this pure “I am the bread of life.” (Jn 6:35,48) “How shall I make a return to
victim, this holy victim, this spotless victim, the Lord for all the good He has done for me? I will lift up the
chalice of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.” (Ps 116:12f)
the holy Bread of eternal life and the Chalice
of everlasting salvation.
Be pleased to look upon these offerings with “By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than
Cain, through which he received approval as righteous, God bearing
a serene and kindly countenance, and to

Companions of the Cross 11 The Mass in Scripture

accept them, as once you were pleased to witness by accepting his gifts” (Heb 11:4; cf. Gen 4:4)
accept the gifts of your servant Abel the just, “God tested Abraham, and said to him, ‘Take your son, your only
the sacrifice of Abraham, our father in faith, son Isaac, whom you love, …and offer him there as a burnt offering
and the offering of your high priest upon one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.’” (Gen 22:1-14)
Melchizedek, a holy sacrifice, a spotless “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he
victim. In humble prayer we ask you, was priest of God Most High…” (Gen 14:18) “[Jesus was]
almighty God: command that these gifts be designated by God a high priest according to the order of
Melchizedek.” (Heb 5:10)
borne by the hands of your holy Angel to
your altar on high in the sight of your divine “And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden
majesty, censer; …and the smoke of the incense rose with the prayers of the
saints from the hand of the angel before God.” (Rev 8:3-4)
Communion epiclesis “When [Christ] had made purification for sins, he sat down at the
so that all of us, who through this right hand of the Majesty on high.” (Heb 1:3)
participation at the altar receive the most “Are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar?”
holy Body and Blood of your Son, may be (1 Cor 10:18) “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
filled with every grace and heavenly Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in
blessing. the heavenly places.” (Eph 1:3)

Commemoration of the Dead

Remember also, Lord, your servants N. and “But it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has
commissioned us; he has put his seal upon us and given us his
N., who have gone before us with the sign of Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” (2 Cor 1:21-22)
faith and rest in the sleep of peace.
“For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so,
Grant them, O Lord, we pray, and all who through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen
sleep in Christ, a place of refreshment, light asleep.” (1 Thes 4:14)
and peace. “Then he showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal,
flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb, …the tree of life
…and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations…
they shall see his face, and his name shall be on their foreheads.
And night shall be no more; they need no light of lamp or sun, for
the Lord God will be their light…” (Rev 22:1-5)

Naming of the Martyrs

To us, also, your servants, who, though “…giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the
sinners, hope in your abundant mercies, inheritance of the saints in light.” (Col 1:12)
graciously grant some share and fellowship Martyrdom of John the Baptist: Mt 14:1-12; Mk 6:15-29
with your holy Apostles and Martyrs: with Martyrdom of Stephen: Acts 7:54-8:1
John the Baptist, Stephen, Matthias, “When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of
Barnabas, (Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness
Peter, Felicity, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, [Gk. martyria] they had borne; … Then they were each given a
Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia) and all your white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their
Saints; admit us, we beseech you, into their fellow servants and their brethren should be complete.” (Rev 6:9,11)
company, not weighing our merits, but “He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor requite us
granting us your pardon, through Christ our according to our iniquities.” (Ps 103:10)
Lord.
Through whom you continue to make all “May we be filled with the good things of your house, the holy
these good things, O Lord; you sanctify things of your temple!” (Ps 65:4)
them, fill them with life, bless them, and
bestow them upon us.
Concluding Doxology

Companions of the Cross 12 The Mass in Scripture

 The Mass in the Early Church
“The Didache claims to be the collected ‘Teaching of the Apostles,’ and was likely compiled in
Antioch, Syria sometime during the years A.D. 50-110” (Scott Hahn, The Lamb’s Supper, p. 30)
The Didache contains the most ancient Eucharistic Prayer that has been discovered. The structure of
the prayer parallels the Blessing before a meal, Daily prayer (AMIDAH) and Blessing after a meal
(BIRKAT HA-MAZON) used by 1st century Jews.
9.1. With regard to the Eucharist, give 10.1. After you have been satisfied, give thanks in this
thanks in this manner: way:
9.2. First, over the cup: THANKSGIVING FOR GOD’S PAST WORKS
THANKSGIVING OVER THE CUP 10.2. “We thank you, holy Father, for your holy name
“We thank you, our Father, for the holy which you have made to dwell in our hearts, and for the
vine of David your servant, which you knowledge and the immortality which you have
have revealed through Jesus your revealed to us through Jesus your servant.”
servant.” “Glory be yours through all ages!”
“Glory be yours through all ages! THANKSGIVING FOR GOD’S PRESENT GIFTS
Amen.” 10.3. “Almighty Lord, you have created everything
THANKSGIVING OVER THE BREAD through your name; you have given food and drink to
9.3. Over the (broken) bread: “We thank (the children of) mortals for their enjoyment, so that
you, our Father, for the life and the they might give you thanks, but to us you have given a
knowledge which you have revealed to spiritual food and drink and eternal life through Jesus
us through Jesus your servant.” your servant. 10.4. For all these things we thank you,
because you are mighty.”
“Glory be yours through all ages!”
“To you be glory through all ages. Amen.”
PETITION (EMBOLISM)
9.4. “Just as this (bread) was broken, PETITION FOR THE CHURCH
scattered on the hills and gathered and 10.5. “Be mindful, Lord, of your Church: deliver it
became one, so may your Church be from every evil and make it perfect in love of you. And
gathered from the ends of the earth into gather it, a sanctified Church, from the four winds into
your kingdom.” your kingdom which you have prepared for it.”
“Yours is glory and power through all “For yours is the kingdom and the glory for all ages.”
ages. Amen.” 10.6. “Let grace come and this world pass away.
9.5. Let no one eat or drink of your Hosanna to the Son of David.”
Eucharist unless they have been “If any are holy, let them draw near; if any are not, let
baptized in the name of the Lord. For them be converted.”
the Lord says in this regard: “Do not “Maranatha. Amen.”
give holy things to dogs.”

The translations of all the prayers are borrowed from Enrico Mazza, The Celebration of the Eucharist: The Origin
of the Rite and the Development of Its Interpretation (Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press, 1999), 307-309.
N.B.: The italicized passages from the Didache are considered by LaVerdiere (and other scholars) to have been
inserted in later stages of redaction (i.e. closer to 110 A.D., rather than 50 A.D.).

Companions of the Cross 13 The Mass in Scripture

Justin Martyr (150 A.D. in Rome)
- Justin Martyr’s writings include two descriptions of the Eucharist
Eucharist with Baptism - “But we, after we have thus washed him who has been convinced and
has assented to our teaching, bring him to the place where those who are called brethren are
assembled, in order that we may offer hearty prayers in common for ourselves and for the baptized
[illuminated] person, and for all others in every place, that we may be counted worthy, now that we
have learned the truth, by our works also to be found good citizens and keepers of the
commandments, so that we may be saved with an everlasting salvation. Having ended the prayers,
we salute one another with a kiss. There is then brought to the president of the brethren bread and a
cup of wine mixed with water; and he taking them, gives praise and glory to the Father of the
universe, through the name of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, and offers thanks at considerable
length for our being counted worthy to receive these things at His hands. And when he has
concluded the prayers and thanksgivings, all the people present express their assent by saying
Amen. This word Amen answers in the Hebrew language to γένοιτο [Gk. “so be it”]. And when the
president has given thanks, and all the people have expressed their assent, those who are called by
us deacons give to each of those present to partake of the bread and wine mixed with water over
which the thanksgiving was pronounced, and to those who are absent they carry away a portion.”
Stand-alone Eucharist - “And on the day called Sunday, all who live in cities or in the country
gather together to one place, and the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are
read, as long as time permits; then, when the reader has ceased, the president verbally instructs, and
exhorts to the imitation of these good things. Then we all rise together and pray, and, as we before
said, when our prayer is ended, bread and wine and water are brought, and the president in like
manner offers prayers and thanksgivings, according to his ability, and the people assent, saying
Amen; and there is a distribution to each, and a participation of that over which thanks have been
given, and to those who are absent a portion is sent by the deacons. And they who are well to do,
and willing, give what each thinks fit; and what is collected is deposited with the president, who
succours the orphans and widows and those who, through sickness or any other cause, are in want,
and those who are in bonds and the strangers sojourning among us, and in a word takes care of all
who are in need. But Sunday is the day on which we all hold our common assembly, because it is
the first day on which God, having wrought a change in the darkness and matter, made the world;
and Jesus Christ our Saviour on the same day rose from the dead.” (First Apology 65, 67, 151 A.D.)
- Christians would gather to celebrate the Eucharist on a Sunday
- Liturgy of the Word: readings from OT and NT, homily, prayers of the faithful
- Liturgy of the Eucharist: Procession w/bread & wine, Eucharistic prayer, dist. of communion
- The Presider offers the Eucharistic prayer - Collection for the needs of the poor
- Missing elements of a modern Mass: Our Father, Entrance Rites, Penitential Rite, Creed.
- Justin Martyr believed in the Real Presence and in a transformation of the bread and wine.
“We call this food Eucharist, and no one else is permitted to partake of it, except one who believes
our teaching to be true and who has been washed in the washing which is for the remission of sins
and for regeneration and is thereby living as Christ enjoined. For not as common bread nor
common drink do we receive these; but since Jesus Christ our Savior was made incarnate by the
word of God and had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so too, as we have been taught, the
food which has been made into the Eucharist by the Eucharistic prayer set down by him, and by the
change of which our blood and flesh is nurtured, is both the flesh and the blood of that incarnated
Jesus.” (First Apology 66, 151 A.D.)
- Real Presence: Calls the elements of food the Eucharist, not just the celebration.
- Transformation: Notes that there is a change in the elements during the Eucharistic Prayer.

Companions of the Cross 14 The Mass in Scripture