“The liturgy of the Eucharist is best understood as a journey or procession. It is the journey of the Church into the dimension of the Kingdom. We use the word 'dimension' because it seems the best way to indicate the manner of our sacramental entrance into the risen life of Christ. Color transparencies 'come alive' when viewed in three dimensions instead of two. The presence of the added dimension allows us to see much better the actual reality of what has been photographed. In very much the same way, though of course any analogy is condemned to fail, our entrance into the presence of Christ is an entrance into a fourth dimension which allows us to see the ultimate reality of life. It is not an escape from the world, rather it is the arrival at a vantage point from which we can see more deeply into the reality of the world.” ― Alexander Schmemann, For the Life of the World: Sacraments and Orthodoxy

Holy Spirit, Giver of all good gifts, enter into my mind and heart. Give me the gift of knowledge and the grace to use it wisely. Help me in all my endeavors. Give me perseverance and fortitude. Help my memory, that I may remember what I learn and recall it when necessary. Guide me in the classroom. You who are the Way, the Truth, and the Life, let me not be deceived by false teaching. Our Lady of Good Studies, pray for me. Amen.

Objectives: Review Start Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2 WHAT HAPPENS IN THE SACRAMENTS The Church’s liturgy celebrates the Paschal Mystery of Christ: Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection.

In the liturgy we remember and participate in the events that accomplished our Redemption

Redemption: “to recover ownership by paying a sum; to set free or ransom” Redemption is the action of Jesus Christ whereby he paid the price of his own death on the cross to save us from sin

In the liturgy (the work of the people) we actually participate in the events of the Paschal Mystery—the power of the Holy Spirit makes these events (which happened only once historically) present and real for us.

Divine Adoption

4 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. 15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: 16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. 17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: 18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. 19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. Luke 22

Divine Current

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. Acts 2:1-4

The events of our Salvation occurred only once, but by the power of the Holy Spirit the liturgy makes these events present and real for us today.

God the Father is the source of the blessings we receive from the liturgy. Our response involves recognizing God’s blessings in the story of creation. His covenants with the Chosen People and finally in the coming of Christ.

A true sacrament makes real the spiritual dimension it signifies It not only points to God’s existence it also makes God truly present to us. In a sacrament, God acts first and then we act in response.

Jesus Christ instituted the sacraments through his word and actions. He now pours out his blessings on the Church and acts through the sacraments to communicate his grace. He remains present in the sacraments and is always present in the Church "Seated at the right hand of the Father" and pouring out the Holy Spirit on his Body which is the Church, Christ now acts through the sacraments he instituted to communicate his grace. The sacraments are perceptible signs (words and actions) accessible to our human nature. By the action of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit they make present efficaciously the grace that they signify. CCC 1084

The Blessed Sacrament is the Body of Christ, the Real Presence of Christ used in Communion. Blessed Sacrament Real Presence

He is clearly seen in the liturgy in the following ways: (a) Jesus is present in the minister of the sacrament; (b) Jesus is present in the World, since it is Christ who speaks when the Scriptures are read at the liturgy; (c) Jesus is present when the Church prays and sings and is gathered in his name; (d) Jesus is especially present in the Eucharistic species, his own Body and Blood.

Our Mission as Prophets We share in the prophetic mission of Christ whenever we give witness to him through our words, actions, or example We also act as prophets whenever we encourage others in the Church to persevere in faith

The Holy Spirit’s role in dispensing the graces of the sacraments is to prepare the Church to encounter Jesus. When we cooperate with the Holy Spirit in this desire he brings about our unity in the Church. The Holy Spirit enables the Church to understand the Old Testament as a preparation for the New Testament. The Holy Spirit prepares us to be properly disposed to encounter Jesus in the liturgy. The Holy Spirit serves as the “Living Memory” of the Church.

The Latin word anamnesis literally means “remembering of” and includes both the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist

So then, is liturgy just remembering the events of our salvation?

The epiclesis or “introductory prayer” is the intercessory prayer the priest makes at mass in which he begs the Father to send the Spirit so that the offers of bread and wine came become the Body and Blood of Christ. (page 37)