Expert: Sal - 12/7/2004

Question
Hi Sal,

Can you tell me if there is any Biblical support for the liturgy used in the mass?  Many evangelical Protestants claim that our liturgy is not based on scripture, so what is our response?  Did Martin Luther develop the priesthood of all believers to marginalize the office of  the priesthood?  Did he also say that all believers are saints to diminish the importance of good works and holiness?  What is the Protestant response to Malachi 1:11?  How would they interpret 'pure offering'?  Finally, what are the origins of excommunication and what are the chances of obtaining salvation when one is excommunicated?

Thanks.

Answer
Dear Les:

The Mass is very much based on the Bible. Here are some references to the various parts of the Mass.

The Greeting. We make the sign of the cross to recall our Baptism. “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

The Penitential Rite. We reflect on our sinfulness. “For I acknowledge my offense, and my sin is before me always. Against you only have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight-that you may be justified in your sentence, vindicated when you condemn” (Psalm 51:5-6).

The Kyrie. We pray, “Have mercy.” “Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin clease me” (Psalm 51:3-4).

The Gloria. We say, or better yet sing: “Glory to God in the highest.” This is directly taken from Luke 2:13-14.

Opening Prayer. The congregation prays together as we ready ourselves to participate in the Mass. “Together they devoted themselves to constant prayer” (Acts 2:14).

The Profession of Faith. “We believe” we say because we are one united body. This fulfills our Lord's prayer for unity among his people. “…that they may be one” (John 17:21).

General Intercession. We intercede for the Church and for the world. “First of all, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for all men, especially for kings and those in authority…” (I Timothy 2:1-2).

The Liturgy of the Word. “The word of the Lord” is announced. “Then he said to me: Prophesy over these bones, and say to them: Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!” (Ezekiel 37:4). Later the priest announces, “The Gospel of the Lord.” “Not by bread alone does man live, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord” (Deuteronomy 8:3). The people respond, “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.” “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles and sing his glory, all you peoples” (Psalm 117:1). Then we have “A reading from the holy Gospel.” “They devoted themselves to the apostles' instruction” (Acts 2:42). We conclude with “Glory to you, Lord.” “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength, honor and glory and praise!” (Revelation 5: 12).

The Liturgy of the Eucharist. “Holy, Holy, Holy,” we begin the Sanctus. This echoes the Seraphim that Isaiah heard. “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts!” (Isaiah 6:3). Then we proclaim the mystery of the faith. “Undeniably great is the mystery of devotion” (I Timothy 3:16). Next we pray that our sacrifice will be acceptable to God. “From the rising of the sun, even to its setting, my name is great among the nations; and everywhere they bring sacrifice to my name, and a pure offering…” (Malachi 1:11).The Lord's Prayer is said. This is taken from Matthew 6:9-15. Then the Sign of Peace is exchanged. “Greet one another with the embrace of true love” (I Peter 5:14). “…the handshake of fellowship” (Galatians 2:9). Next we prepare to receive Communion. “Lord I am not worthy to receive you," we cry. “I am not worthy to have you under my roof” (Matthew 8:8). Then we receive Communion. “He who feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has life eternal, and I will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:54).

Dismissal. The priest asks us to “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.” We then go into the world ready to “Teach them to carry out everything that I have told you” (Matthew 28:20). We conclude with “Thanks be to God.” “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:6).

The first Mass was said by our Lord at the Last Supper. He then transformed the old Passover into the new Mass. We faithfully celebrate the Mass as we were commanded by our Lord when he said to the first priests, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19).

Martin Luther did not want a ministerial priesthood. So I would agree that he over emphasized the universal priesthood to that end. I also believe that he over emphasized that we Christians are called “saints” in the Bible to belittle any other definition of saints.

The Protestant response to Malachi 1:11 varies. Some say that the pure sacrifice spoken of is a literal Jewish offering. Others say that the sacrifice is only symbolic of God's people's holiness. Still others say that the pure sacrifice is ourselves. I don't believe that any of these attempts at interpreting Malachi 1:11 is compelling. I think that they are not supported by the context.

The idea of excommunication has its origins in the Hebrew Scriptures. Excommunication means to cast out. Adam & Eve were excommunicated from the Garden of Eden by God (see Genesis 3:23-24). In the New Testament we see that excommunication from the synagogue was greatly feared (see John 9:21f) Jesus even warns his disciples that they would be excommunicated from the synagogue (see Luke 6:22). Christ's Church also excommunicated. “And if he will not listen to the church, let him be as the heathen and the publican” (Matthew 18:17). St. Paul excommunicated (see I Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 1:8-9; I Timothy 1:20). Since one is separated from the Church when excommunicated I would think that the chances of obtaining salvation are greatly reduced.

I pray that I was helpful to you, Les. If I can be of further assistance please let me know.

God Bless You,
Sal