Mass (liturgy)
The English noun Mass derives from the Middle Latin word missa. This term entered Old English as mæsse, sometimes glossed as sendnes meaning a sending or dismission. The Latin missa itself was in use by the 6th century. Caesarius of Arles wrote about it in Regula ad monachos around that time. Before this appearance, the word occurs singularly in a letter attributed to Saint Ambrose who died in 397. F. Probst noted in his 1870 work Liturgie der drei ersten christlichen Jahrhunderte that Roman Liturgy had become essentially the rite we still use by the early 5th century. Pope Innocent I sent a letter to Decentius of Eugubium between 401 and 417 containing references to the term.
Historically other etymological explanations claimed not to derive from the formula missa. Fortescue cited older fanciful theories notably a latinization of Hebrew massa meaning unleavened bread or oblation. This derivation gained favor in the 16th century among scholars like Reuchlin and Luther. Some proposed Greek initiation as an origin while others suggested Germanic assembly. The French historian Du Cange reported various opinions on the noun Mass's origin in 1678 including attribution to Caesar Baronius. Medieval authorities derived the noun from the verb mittendo but not necessarily connected with the dismissal formula. Rupert of Deutz explained the word as sending us towards God in his early 12th century writings.
The Catholic Church views the Mass or Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life. Ordained celebrants act in persona Christi recalling Jesus Christ at the Last Supper. Jesuit priest Rune P. Thuringer wrote in 1965 that the state Church of Sweden Lutheran rite resembles Roman Mass more than any other Protestant church. Cardinal Ratzinger later became Pope Benedict XVI and affirmed salvation-granting presence exists in Lutheran Lord's Supper during a 1993 letter to Bishop Johannes Hanselmann.
Within fixed structures specific to the Roman Rite Scripture readings vary daily according to liturgical calendar. Introductory rites begin when priests enter with deacons if present alongside altar servers who may serve as crucifer candle-bearers or thurifer. The Kyrie eleison has been an acclamation of God's mercy since early times. Penitential Act instituted by Council of Trent remains permitted though caution advises against turning congregation inwardly during these unifying rites. Collect Prayer closes introductory sections before moving forward.
Liturgy of Word features three Scripture readings on Sundays and solemnities versus two on other days. First reading comes from Old Testament including Deuterocanonical Books or Acts of Apostles during Eastertide followed by responsorial psalm. Second reading derives from New Testament epistles typically Pauline ones. Gospel acclamation sung as Book of Gospels processed sometimes with incense and candles reaches ambo. Final reading high point involves proclamation by deacon or priest accompanied by homily drawing upon readings or liturgy itself. Nicene Creed professed on Sundays and solemnities while Universal Prayer follows designation coming from when catechumens did not remain for this prayer.
Article XXIV Of The Mass within Book Of Concord Augsburg Confession 1530 states Mass retained among us celebrated with highest reverence. Martin Luther rejected parts Roman Rite specifically Canon which argued did not conform with Hebrews chapter nine contrasting Old Testament priests needing regular propitiatory sacrifice with single priest Christ offering body once only. Theme carried out through multiple biblical passages emphasizing Christ's singular sacrifice.
Luther composed revised Latin-language rite Formula Missae in 1523 replacing Canon elements. Vernacular Deutsche Messe followed in 1526 allowing congregational participation. Apology Augsburg Confession affirmed Greek Canon while Pfalz-Neuburg Church Order 1543 modeled by Philip Melanchthon included Eucharistic Prayer prior Words Institution. Olavus Petri expanded anaphora from Formula Missae fostering church life both catholic evangelical embracing whole population maintaining continuity pre-Reformation traditions centered Bible gospel.
Scandinavian Finnish English-speaking Lutherans use term Mass for Eucharistic service though German English churches prefer Divine Service Holy Communion Holy Eucharist terms more frequently. Traditional Lutheran Churches celebrate ad orientem oriented East returning Sun Righteousness though some parishes now celebrate versus populum retaining traditional posture many locations. Weekly Communion norm most Lutheran parishes worldwide bishops pastors encourage practice daily Mass offered some Lutheran churches convents monasteries like Östanbäck Monastery Saint Augustine House.
Thomas Cranmer rejected medieval theology Mass around 1547 shaping subsequent liturgical evolution. Various Eucharistic liturgies national churches Anglican Communion continuously evolved from 1549 and 1552 editions Book Common Prayer owing form contents chiefly work Cranmer. Four-day debate House Lords December 1548 moved far beyond traditional Catholicism making clear restructuring elements rite while retaining nearly language became series communion devotions disembarrassed Mass temporarily associated 1548 1549 according Anglo-Catholic historian Arthur Couratin.
Some rites like 1637 Scottish rite 1789 United States rite returned to 1549 model Elizabethan Settlement 1559 allowed certain variety theological interpretation today's rites generally follow same general five-part shape. Gathering begins Trinitarian-based greeting seasonal acclamation Blessed God Father Son Holy Spirit Blessed kingdom now forever Amen followed Kyrie general confession absolution entrance rite concludes collect day. Proclaiming Hearing Word usually two three readings Scripture one always Gospels plus psalm portion canticle between lessons sermon homily recitation Creeds Apostles Nicene done Sundays feasts.
Prayers People quite varied form Peace functions bridge prayers lessons sermon creeds Communion part Eucharist Celebration Eucharist gifts bread wine brought up along other gifts money food bank offertory prayer offered. Great Thanksgiving dialogue Sursum Corda preface sanctus benedictus Words Institution Anamnesis Epiclesis petition salvation Doxology Lord Prayer precedes fraction breaking bread followed Prayer Humble Access Agnus Dei distribution sacred elements bread wine. Dismissal post-Communion prayer general thanksgiving service concludes Trinitarian blessing dismissal sequence almost identical Roman Rite except Confession Sin ends Liturgy Word North American Anglican rites while Roman Rite many jurisdictions place Confession near beginning service.
Most Eastern Orthodox Christians use Byzantine Rite calling Eucharistic service Divine Liturgy. Number parishes within Eastern Orthodox Church use edited version Latin liturgical rites. Most parishes utilize Divine Liturgy St Tikhon revision Anglican Book Common Prayer or Divine Liturgy St Gregory derived Tridentine form Roman Rite Mass. Rubrics revised reflect doctrine dogmas Eastern Orthodox Church filioque clause removed fuller epiclesis added leavened bread introduced.
Preparation Mass includes Confiteor Kyrie Eleison Gloria excelsis deo Collect Day Epistle Gradual Alleluia Gospel Sermon Nicene Constantinopolitan Creed Offertory Dialogue Preface Sanctus Canon Lord Prayer Fraction Agnus Dei Prayers before Communion Holy Communion Prayer Thanksgiving Dismissal Blessing Faithful Last Gospel structure mirrors traditional forms adapted theological requirements. These adaptations maintain core Eastern doctrines while incorporating Western liturgical frameworks creating unique ecumenical expressions across diverse communities worldwide.
Celebration Mass Methodist churches commonly known Service Table based Sunday Service 1784 revision liturgy 1662 Book Common Prayer authorized John Wesley. Use term Mass very rare Methodism terms Holy Communion Lord Supper lesser extent Eucharist far more typical celebrant Methodist Eucharist must ordained licensed minister Free Methodist Church liturgy outlined Book Discipline Invitation repent sins live love peace neighbors intend lead new life following commandments God walking holy ways draw near faith take holy sacrament comfort humbly kneeling make honest confession Almighty God General Confession Lord Prayer Affirmation Faith Collect Sanctus Gloria Patri Prayer Humble Access Consecration Elements Benediction sequence reflects historical development.
Post-1992 Methodist services reflect ecumenical movement Liturgical Movement particularly Methodist Mass largely work theologian Donald C Lacy. Services incorporate elements emphasizing community participation spiritual renewal aligning with broader Christian traditions while maintaining distinct identity through specific liturgical practices and theological emphases developed over centuries of adaptation and evolution within Methodist denominational structures globally.
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Common questions
What is the origin of the word Mass?
The English noun Mass derives from the Middle Latin word missa. This term entered Old English as mæsse and was in use by the 6th century according to Caesarius of Arles.
When did Roman Liturgy become essentially the rite we still use today?
Roman Liturgy had become essentially the rite we still use by the early 5th century according to F. Probst noted in his 1870 work. Pope Innocent I sent a letter to Decentius of Eugubium between 401 and 417 containing references to the term.
How does the Catholic Church view the Mass or Eucharist?
The Catholic Church views the Mass or Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life. Ordained celebrants act in persona Christi recalling Jesus Christ at the Last Supper.
What changes did Martin Luther make to the Mass in the 16th century?
Martin Luther composed revised Latin-language rite Formula Missae in 1523 replacing Canon elements. Vernacular Deutsche Messe followed in 1526 allowing congregational participation.
Which Anglican liturgies shaped subsequent liturgical evolution around 1547?
Thomas Cranmer rejected medieval theology Mass around 1547 shaping subsequent liturgical evolution. Various Eucharistic liturgies national churches Anglican Communion continuously evolved from 1549 and 1552 editions Book Common Prayer owing form contents chiefly work Cranmer.