THE GREATEST LOVE REENACTED

“THE GREATEST LOVE REENACTED”. This is how I consider the Celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. For as the Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “In this divine sacrifice which is celebrated in the Mass, the same Christ who offered himself once in a bloody manner on the altar of the cross is contained and is offered in an unbloody manner.” (CCC 1367) and likewise in the Catechism for Filipino Catholics we read: “ Through the mystery of the Eucharist, the sacrifice of the Cross which was once offered on Calvary, is remarkably reenacted and constantly recalled, and its saving power exerted for the forgiveness of sins”. (CFC 1689)

Having reflected on these two statements of the Catholic Church, time and again I am filled with awe at what is actually happening whenever I participate in the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

First of all I see Christ putting into action what He Himself said: “ There is no greater love than this, to give one’s life for his friends…” (John 15:13)

Then, what amazes me is the great Mystery of this Love of Christ being reenacted in an unbloody manner.

I consider Christ’s Crucifixion and Death on the Cross as the Greatest Love that can ever be manifested in this world. This is because of the personality of Christ Who is God made Man through the Mystery of INCARNATION. No one can ever have such a Dignity as JESUS CHRIST, the only begotten Son of God the Father. God though He is, He manifested His love for men by actually bearing the sacrifice of dying on the Cross in order to obtain for mankind the Grace of Redemption. He is, therefore, a God Who suffered and died for the salvation of all men.

This greatest act of love of Christ has been done historically for more than 2,000 years ago, but the same act of love is being reenacted in an unbloody manner whenever the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is celebrated.

The Catechism for Filipino Catholics says: “ Christ instituted the Eucharist so that his once-and-for-all saving Death on the Cross might be made present even to us – 2,000 years later. The Eucharist is a sacrifice because Christ is present precisely as ‘offering himself for us as a sacrifice to the Father. Thus, the heart of the Eucharistic celebration is: Christ, our Lord’s perfect saving LOVE.” (CFC 1690)

I praise the Lord for this deep enlightenment to look up to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass as a Great Mystery wherein the Greatest Love is being reenacted, so that I and every man on earth can participate in the Mystery of Redemption and be given the privilege of belonging to the Family of God.


by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
July 4, 2010