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The Liturgy of the Eucharist
In the New Testament account of the Last Supper we read about certain actions of the meal which Jesus shared with his disciples. He (1) took bread, (2) blessed it, (3) broke it, (4) gave it to them to eat. At the end of the meal, there were three more actions: (5) He took a cup of wine, (6) gave thanks, (7) shared the cup with those present. The primitive Christian community celebrated this "memorial" of the Lord in the context of a complete meal. As time went on, the eucharistic lements of this memorial were separated from the meal and the ritual became more simplified. The seven actions thus became four. "Bread and wine were 'taken' and placed on the altar together; one prayer of thanksgiving to God was ofefered; the bread was then broken; and finally the bread and wine were distributed." (The Mystery of Faith, Johnson, p.54). Thus, the gifts of bread and wine which will become the Lrod's Body and Blood are brought to the altar.
Preparation of the Altar
A large altar cloth, usually linen or cotton, is on the altar befroe the beginning of Mass. Now, the corporal (square of linen cloth),the purificator (linen or cotton, more like a handkerchief), the chalice, and the Sacramentary are placed on the altar without much ceremony. Since it is a ministerial task, it is carried out be a person other than the presiding priest, such as aDeacon or an Acolyte. Prior to this part of the Mass, the altar should have been completely free of objects, such as candles and flowers, or extraneous leaflets or papers. Candles aer usually free standing, to the side of the altar, and flowers may be placed in such a way that does not block the view of the top of the altar.
"The [Preparation of the Altar] at this time makes clear that something new is beginning. Just as the ambo was the focal point of the liturgy of the Word, so the altar-table is the center of the Eucharistic liturgy." (Johnson, p. 58)
Presentation of the Gifts
In ancient Roman liturgy, at this time of the liturgy there was a true procession of people bringing not only bread and wine,but oil, candles, wheat, grapes, and other items of precious value. Today we have the procession in simple form where representative members of the assembly bring up bread (hosts) and wine as well as other offerings for the poor or for the Church. At special times of the year, this might include more than monetary gifts, such as food staples for parish food pantries to assist the needy. This bringing forth gifts is a symbolic expression of our participation in the Eucharist as well as in the social mission of the Church. We should consider it a privilege to represent the assembly if we are the ones selected to be in this procession.
"Offertory" Song
This song accompanies the procession and highlights its communal aspects. Texts expessing praise and joy as well as seasonal texts are appropriate. It ned not speak of bread and wine or of offering. This song may be sung either by all together, or by the choir alone. "Since the presentation and preparation of gifts is a secondary rite, soft instrumental music or silence may be preferred as a more fitting psychological preparation for the Eucharistic Prayer." (Johnson, p. 62)
Prayers at the Preparation of the Gifts
These two prayers, over the bread and over the wine, focus on praise of God, rather than on offering. The priest raises the bread and cup a little as he prays a formula modeled on a Jewish table prayer. He may pray these either in silence or aloud, and the people may answer with an acclamation. [These prayers] "recall the source, meaning and goal of the gifts. God is praised for the works fo his creation . [These] God'given fruits symbolize our world, our life, our labor. They will become our bread of life and our spiritual drink." (Johnson, p. 63)
Mixing of Water and Wine
As the Deacon prepares the chalice at the side of the altar (or in his absence, the priest), the silent prayer prayed during this action "recalls that what was initiated in the Incarnation is realized in the sacrametn of the Lrod's body and blood. Through the Eucharist we are to share in the divine dignity of Christ who became incarnate for us." (Johnson, p. 64)
Incensation
On more solemn occasions, the priest takes incense, which is a traditional symbol of prayer arising to God, and blesses the gifts, the altar, and the cross. Then the priest and the people are incensed in silence.
Washing of the Hands
Then the priest washes his hands as an expression of his desire for inward purification. (GIRM, 52)
Prayer Over the Gifts with Invitation.
This prayer concludes with the preparation of the bread, wine, altar and community. It serves to remind us that we we have just offered is a sacrifice and symbol of our very lives. It also underlines for us the two-fold nature of liturgy which is the priase of God and the sanctification (making holy)ofthe faithful. This prayer "requests divine acceptance and expresses the community's desire to unite itself with the offering to come" (In the Eucharistic Prayer). (Johnson, p. 70)
Questions for Reflection:
Is my gift at this time a true reflection of my sacrifice?
Have I considered offering more than money?
Am I able to offer my talent and my time to the Church as well?
Action Statement:
During the Presentation of Gifts, I will prepare spiritually for the Eucharistic Prayer to come by...
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