We should share scripture. We do this in the Liturgy of the Word when we listen to God’s word in the readings from the Bible. It consists of two readings. The first is from the Old Testament, mainly about God’s unfailing love. The second is from the New Testament. Usually from the letters of the Apostles, deepening our understanding of what we have been taught.
We should listen to Jesus’ teaching. In mass we do this by listening to the Gospel. It is a very important reading and the congregation stand to acknowledge the word of Jesus. Although it is spoken by the priest or deacon, it is Jesus himself who speaks.
We should bring gifts to share with each other. We do this by bringing the bread and wine to the altar, which then become the body and blood of Jesus. They are God’s gifts to us, and also the fruit of man’s labour. In certain masses, for example in school, other gifts can be brought, such as, books, sports awards, academic certificates, pieces of art and music they are offered in thanksgiving. We are giving back to God thanks for the talents he has blessed us with.
Obey Christ’s command and re-enact the Last Supper. We do this when the priest calls down the power of the Holy Spirit to change the bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus during the Eucharistic Prayer. At this time, we remember the words and actions of Jesus at the Last Supper in the Prayer of Consecration, where the priest prays: “Take this, all of you, and eat it … This is my body which will be given up for you. Take this, all of you and drink from it … This is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and for all men so that sins may be forgiven” We are therefore re-enacting the Last Supper with Jesus’ words.
Eat together. In mass we eat together in Communion. It consists of saying the Our Father, a prayer and sign of peace, the breaking of the bread and eventually receiving Holy Communion. When we receive Holy Communion, we are receiving Jesus himself and are at one with each other.
The New Testament also teaches us to take Christ into the world. We do this in mass by the concluding rites and dismissal. We are sent back to where we have come from with a powerful message of life. We are to carry what we have received and what we have become into the world. Therefore we are taking Christ into the world, as Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
