Preparation of the Gifts The Mass is both a sacrifice and a meal. It is the heavenly would have at home. How? First, we set the table. At home, you probably say a blessing over the food. At Mass, the priest says a blessing over the bread and the wine and the congregation chalice, the priest adds a drop of water to the wine. This reminds us of the two natures of Christ, and recalls the blood and water that flowed from his side on the cross. The priest prays, “By the mystery Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity.” Before eating at home, you probably wash your hands. So does the priest as he prays, “Wash me, O Lord, from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” At Sunday Mass, these actions may all take place quietly as the congregation sings a hymn. Finally, we all stand and join in prayer as the priest says, “Pray, brethren, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.” We respond, “May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his holy Church.” 46 banquet of the Lamb made present to us. You’ll find that the Preparation of the Gifts is probably similar to a meal you responds, “Blessed be God forever.” Before blessing the of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Notes
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