Jesus' Presence in the Mass
Jesus is
present in the mass through four ways: the Eucharist, the Priest, Bishop or
Deacon, the Liturgy of the Word/gospel and the Assembly/Congregation.
The Eucharist
Christ is present through the Eucharist in body and soul as when the bread and wine is consecrated, transubstantiation occurs turning the the bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus despite the physical properties not changing. That is how the congregation is able to partake in and the consume Jesus the son of God.
The Priest, Bishop or Deacon
Jesus is present through the celebrant of the mass as they are messengers and servants of God. This means that Christ speaks through the celebrant to celebrate the mass and proclaim the word of God.
The Liturgy of the Word/Gospel
Christ is present throughout the Liturgy of the Word as he is the good news. That is the reason that candles are lighted and incense may be used during the reading and proclamation of the Gospel as the words are Jesus' gifts to his people.
The assembly/congregation
Jesus is present through the people gathered in the Church as Jesus resides in everyone especially his baptised people who constitute his body as the Church.
The Eucharist
Christ is present through the Eucharist in body and soul as when the bread and wine is consecrated, transubstantiation occurs turning the the bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus despite the physical properties not changing. That is how the congregation is able to partake in and the consume Jesus the son of God.
The Priest, Bishop or Deacon
Jesus is present through the celebrant of the mass as they are messengers and servants of God. This means that Christ speaks through the celebrant to celebrate the mass and proclaim the word of God.
The Liturgy of the Word/Gospel
Christ is present throughout the Liturgy of the Word as he is the good news. That is the reason that candles are lighted and incense may be used during the reading and proclamation of the Gospel as the words are Jesus' gifts to his people.
The assembly/congregation
Jesus is present through the people gathered in the Church as Jesus resides in everyone especially his baptised people who constitute his body as the Church.