Now we come to the most important part of the Mass: the Liturgy of the Eucharist. It is this part of the Mass which distinguishes Catholics and Orthodox from all other Christian Denominations. Christ comes to us under the appearances of bread and wine through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and words of consecration by a validly ordained priest of the New Covenant.
The Church has always taught that the Mass is a sacrifice; it is an offering; it is entering into the mystery of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection. In the Mass Christ truly and really offers and sacrifices himself to the Father for humanity in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. But it is not only Christ offering himself to the Father. It is also each one of us offering ourselves to God: “Here I am Lord I come to do your will.” (Hebrews 10:9) As soon as the bread and wine are offered to the Father and before they become Jesus, the priest will turn to the people and say: “Pray, brethren, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father,” to which the congregation responds in agreement.
Sometimes many are tempted to allow their minds to be very distracted when the priest begins this Eucharistic prayer. However, this is not a time to zone out or passively be inattentive. Rather, it is a time to unite our hearts to Jesus’ heart as he on behalf of and with the people offer to the Father his precious body and blood. At every Holy Mass may we always offer ourselves and prayers to the Father with Jesus the eternal priest. Offering yourself to the Father will change your life and make you a saint. Do not be afraid.