The Biblical Definition of Mass

What is a Mass?

The term 'Mass' in biblical context refers to the Eucharistic celebration, rooted in Jesus’ institution of the Lord’s Supper.

This practice originates in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, where Paul recounts Jesus’ words at the Last Supper: 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.' Early Christians adopted this ritual to commemorate Christ’s sacrifice, shaping it into a communal act of faith and repentance.

The Didache, a 1st-century Christian text, further attests to the early Church’s structured observance of the Eucharist, emphasizing shared bread and wine as symbols of unity and spiritual nourishment. These practices laid the foundation for the liturgical traditions that would later crystallize as the Mass.

The Purpose of the Eucharist in Scripture

The Eucharist, instituted by Christ, is an important act of remembrance and spiritual communion.

In Luke 22:19-20, Jesus explicitly links the bread and cup to his body and blood, declaring, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me,' while the cup signifies 'the new covenant in my blood.' Similarly, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 records Paul's account of Christ's words: 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.' These passages establish the Eucharist as a symbolic yet sacred re-presentation of Christ's sacrifice, uniting believers with his redemptive work. By partaking, Christians affirm their participation in the benefits of salvation and renew their commitment to the covenant community.

Scholars debate whether the Eucharist is a mere memorial, a spiritual presence, or a physical transformation of elements (as in transubstantiation). While Scripture emphasizes remembrance and proclamation (1 Cor 11:26), it leaves room for theological interpretation of the 'real presence' without prescribing a single doctrine. This tension reflects the complexity of reconciling Christ's words with later liturgical developments, inviting continued reflection on the sacrament's purpose in the life of the Church.

How to Read Masses Correctly

Interpreting Eucharistic passages requires careful attention to both the biblical text’s symbolic language and the historical practices of early Christian communities.

Luke 22:19-20 and 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 explicitly frame the Eucharist as a commemorative act, with Jesus declaring the bread and cup to represent his body and blood. However, these verses do not specify whether this is a literal transformation or a symbolic remembrance. Early Christian writings like the Didache suggest a communal, ritualized practice that emphasized spiritual nourishment over physical change.

Understanding the socio-religious context of first-century Judaism - where shared meals carried significant covenantal meaning - helps clarify these passages. This historical lens bridges biblical language with the evolving liturgical traditions that shaped the Mass as a central expression of Christian identity.

Going Deeper

To deepen your understanding of the Eucharist, explore patristic writings and modern theological debates that expand on its significance beyond biblical texts.

Early Christian documents like the Didache and teachings from Church Fathers such as Augustine offer insights into how the practice evolved, while contemporary discussions on transubstantiation versus memorialism reflect ongoing interpretations of Christ's words in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 and Luke 22:19-20.