Why does Catholic theology call the Mass a 'True Sacrifice'?
The Holy Mass is not a mere symbolic reenactment or a simple fellowship meal; it is the re-presentation (making present) of the one, identical sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary. The victim is the same (Jesus Christ), the high priest offering it is the same (Jesus acting through the ordained priest 'in persona Christi'), only the manner of offering differs: on Calvary it was bloody, whereas on the altar it is offered in an unbloody sacramental manner. Through this sacrifice, the infinite graces of the Cross are applied to the living and dead.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1362-1372
- Malachi 1:11
- 1 Corinthians 11:26
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.